The Prosthodontics Specialist Dental Education Programme (PPDGS Prostodonsia) at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), concluded its accreditation field assessment process with strong optimism. Following several days of intensive evaluation, the programme received important feedback indicating that its strengths extend beyond governance and facilities. It also possesses strategic potential to become a national reference centre for prosthodontics education, particularly in the fields of implantology and digital dentistry.
The closing session was held in a warm yet reflective atmosphere. The assessment team emphasised that accreditation results are not determined by the closing ceremony, but rather by the facts, data, and evidence gathered throughout the field evaluation process.
"We prepare our report based on the narrative, data, and facts that we find during the field assessment. The final result will naturally reflect what we have observed throughout the evaluation process," said assessor Prof. Erri.
More Than Just an Accreditation Score
For the Prosthodontics Study Programme at FKG UGM, this assessment served as an opportunity to measure its readiness in facing major transformations in specialist dental education. The programme leadership emphasised that successful prosthodontic rehabilitation is not determined solely by aesthetically pleasing final results, but also by strong educational foundations, careful planning, and solid teamwork.
This message carries a broader meaning. Accreditation is not merely an administrative documentation process, but rather evidence that an educational system is capable of producing graduates who are competent, adaptive, and prepared to face increasingly complex clinical challenges.
A sense of relief was also felt among faculty members and residents after all stages of the assessment were completed.
"After this process is complete, everyone can finally breathe more easily. Residents can return to focusing on their clinical cases, and lecturers can continue pursuing their academic targets," said the Head of the Prosthodontics Study Programme, Dr. drg. Sri Budi Barunawati, M.Kes., Sp.Pros., Subsp.PKIK(K).
Assessors: Prosthodontics Programme Has a Unique Strength That Must Be Preserved
One of the most notable findings during the assessment was the recognition from assessors regarding the distinctive characteristics of the Prosthodontics Study Programme at FKG UGM compared with similar programmes across Indonesia.
According to the assessors, the programme’s main strength lies in its development of implantology, which has become a defining academic identity of the programme.
"This excellence must truly become the main attraction or novelty of FKG UGM so that its graduates can take pride in having a strong and distinctive advantage," said the assessor.
This statement was not made without reason. Amid increasingly competitive specialist dental education, differentiation has become a crucial factor. Many study programmes have relatively similar curricula, but not all are able to establish a distinctive strength that is recognised nationally.
The assessor also reminded FKG UGM not to abandon its existing excellence in implantology.
"Do not let this strength disappear because the variety of patients provides valuable clinical experience and enriches the learning process for students," the assessor emphasised.
Digital Dentistry as the Future Direction
In addition to implantology, another aspect that received significant appreciation was the development of the digital dentistry ecosystem and facilities established by FKG UGM.
The assessment team considered the integration of digital technology into education and clinical services to provide significant added value in improving graduate quality.
"We have seen extraordinary technology. With digital dentistry and the available facilities, the accuracy of prosthesis fabrication has become very high," the assessor explained.
However, this appreciation was accompanied by constructive recommendations. The assessors encouraged FKG UGM to further integrate existing digital equipment—from intraoral scanners to digital design and manufacturing systems—into the educational process. The goal is for students not only to become familiar with digital technologies but also to master their application as part of everyday clinical practice.
This recommendation is particularly important considering the rapid transformation of digital technology in dentistry. Institutions that fail to integrate technology into their curriculum risk falling behind in producing graduates who meet the needs of modern healthcare services.
Collaboration with Hospitals and Stakeholders Continues to Strengthen
Another aspect that received positive attention was the relationship between the Prosthodontics Study Programme and teaching hospitals, affiliated clinics, alumni, and external stakeholders.
During the discussion session, assessors noted that the synergy between the study programme, teaching hospitals, and healthcare service networks has shown significant improvement compared with previous years.
The availability of diverse patient cases was also regarded as an important strength in specialist education. A wide range of clinical cases enables residents to gain broader and deeper clinical experience—an aspect that often presents challenges for specialist education programmes in various institutions.
Awaiting Results While Maintaining Momentum
Although the closing session was filled with optimism, the assessment team reminded participants that the real work begins after the accreditation process ends.
Documents, quality assurance systems, academic culture, and innovations that have been developed must not stop simply because the accreditation assessment has concluded.
"The existing documents and supporting evidence must continue to be maintained. They should not only be excellent during the accreditation process," the assessor advised at the end of the activity.
For FKG UGM, this message serves as a reminder that accreditation is not merely a routine "ritual", but an evaluation point in the long journey of developing excellent specialist education. With its strengths in implantology, continued advancement in digital dentistry, expanding clinical networks, and strong stakeholder support, the Prosthodontics Study Programme at FKG UGM is strategically positioned to maintain its reputation as one of Indonesia’s leading centres for prosthodontics education.
(Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti)
