Okayama, Japan – Four students from the Master’s (S2) Program in Dental Science at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) participated in an internship program at the Dental School of Okayama University, Japan, from 26 August to 6 September 2024.
During the 12-day program, the students—Hilmy Irsyadi Hanif, Asa Karina, Tolistya Abdullah Novitasari, and Margareta Galuh Intan Permatasari—had the opportunity to observe and train in 11 different departments, including Biomaterials, Dental Radiology, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Pathology, Dental Anesthesiology, Oral Physiology, Dental Pharmacology, Rehabilitation and Regenerative Dentistry (Implants), Prosthodontics, Dental Morphology, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
The students were welcomed by Prof. Hirohiko Okamura, DDS, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Oral Morphology, who also served as their supervisor during the program. “I hope this activity can continue, so Indonesian students, especially from UGM, have the opportunity to conduct research here,” said Prof. Okamura as he welcomed the FKG UGM students.
Here are the activities undertaken in the 11 visited departments:
In the Biomaterials department, the students learned about using Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy to quantify collagen.
In the Dental Radiology department, they observed the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) examination rooms at Okayama University Hospital.
In the Pediatric Dentistry department, they checked for Streptococcus mutans bacteria in saliva samples and adipose tissue from patients with Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
In the Oral Pathology department, they observed the processing of biopsy tissues from patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
In the Dental Anesthesiology department, they observed the sedation and general anesthesia processes for special needs patients in the hospital.
In the Oral Physiology department, they conducted animal research to observe cFos protein expression in the brains of mice given sweet taste stimulants to identify the activated areas of the cerebrum.
In the Dental Pharmacology department, they cultured osteoclast cells expressing the RANKL protein.
During their visit to the Oral Morphology department, they observed how to perform immunocytochemistry to see the expression of antibody binding and PTPA protein and cellular organelles.
In the Rehabilitation and Regenerative Dentistry department, they observed residents during the placement and insertion process of dental implants.
In the Prosthodontics department, they also witnessed the insertion of partial removable dentures in patients.
Finally, in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department, the students observed a general surgery clinic for the extraction of M3 teeth, followed by a lecture on cleft lip and palate.
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The internship activity provided in-depth insights into the latest research techniques, such as observing the sedation process in the Dental Anesthesiology department and tissue processing for biopsy in the Oral Pathology department for patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
“This experience is very beneficial for developing our research and clinical skills,” said one of the participating students internship.
This program is part of FKG UGM's efforts to enhance educational quality through international partnerships, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The collaboration between UGM and Okayama University is expected to continue evolving, opening up opportunities for research and innovation in the future.
Authors: Hilmy Irsyadi Hanif and Pram
