A solemn atmosphere filled the Grha Sabha Pramana Building at Universitas Gadjah Mada on Thursday (March 12, 2026), as 37 new dentists were officially inaugurated by the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) UGM. The inauguration carried a profound message: the dental profession is not merely an intellectual achievement, but the beginning of a lifelong journey of humanitarian service.
The ceremony, attended by university leaders, professional organizations, and graduates’ families, marked both the conclusion of a long educational journey and the beginning of new responsibilities amid the complexities of Indonesia’s public health challenges.
Dean of FKG UGM, Prof. drg. Suryono, SH, MM, Ph.D., emphasized that graduation was not the end of the struggle, but the starting point of service. He also highlighted the 100% graduation rate achieved during this period as an accomplishment worthy of gratitude.
“This moment is not the end, but the beginning of professional service to society. The challenges ahead are far more complex,” he stated before the graduates and invited guests.
He encouraged the new dentists to take roles in regions still lacking healthcare personnel, noting that the distribution of dentists in Indonesia remains highly unequal—even in densely populated areas.
An Oath That Binds the Conscience
The oath-taking ceremony became the core of the inauguration. Through the oath, the dentists pledged to dedicate their lives to humanity, uphold the dignity of the profession, and prioritize patient health above all other interests.
The oath was not merely ceremonial, but moral. It serves as an ethical compass that will guide every clinical and social decision they make in future practice.
Dentistry: Between Idealism and Reality
Representing the newly inaugurated dentists, drg. Anindita Brataningdyah delivered a heartfelt reflection on the meaning of the profession they now carry. She emphasized that being a dentist means becoming “an intermediary of kindness and healing.”
“Amid ambitions for material success, our teachers showed us a meaning far deeper than money,” she said.
She also reminded the audience that the journey toward becoming a dentist is filled with failure, doubt, and tears. Yet it is precisely through those struggles that resilience and empathy are born—qualities just as important as clinical competence.
Portrait of Inequality: Lessons from Sumba
The spirit of service was further reinforced through the inspiring story of FKG UGM alumna drg. Nabila Hanifah Arifin. In a video presentation, she shared her experiences serving in East Sumba through the Nusantara Sehat program.
In the region, limited facilities and medical personnel posed major challenges. Many children had never undergone dental examinations even after reaching school age.
“Being a dentist is not always about sophisticated equipment. Sometimes it is simply about being present where you are needed most,” she explained.
Together with local communities, she later initiated the “1000 Smiles of Sumba” program to provide regular dental education and basic oral healthcare services.
Hopes from the Professional Organization
The Chair of the Yogyakarta Regional Branch of the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), drg. Heni Primasari, emphasized the importance of integrity, empathy, and lifelong learning for young dentists.
“This profession is noble, yet full of responsibility. In your hands lies the trust to safeguard public health,” she said.
She also encouraged graduates to actively participate in professional organizations and contribute to the advancement of the profession for the betterment of Indonesia’s public health.
Parents’ Emotion: The Fruit of a Long Struggle
Parent representative drg. Prihara Dewanti could not hide her emotion and pride. She recalled the long struggles their children endured—countless late nights, academic pressure, and clinical challenges
“Today is not the end, but the beginning of service. Become dentists who are full of integrity, humble, and passionate about your work,” she advised.
Looking Toward the Future
This inauguration produced 37 new dentists who are expected not only to excel academically, but also to remain sensitive to social realities. Amid healthcare inequality, they are challenged to become agents of change—bringing healthy smiles even to the nation’s most remote regions.
become agents of change—bringing healthy smiles even to the nation’s most remote regions.
“For every life we touch, may our hands bring healing.”
Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, S.Sos., M.I.Kom.; Photography: Fajar Budi Harsakti, SE
