Yogyakarta, 10 September 2024 – Fifth-semester students of the Dentistry Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in the Biomaterials Practicum on the topic of “Manipulation of Heat-Polymerized Acrylic Resin” at the DLC Laboratory, 1st Floor. This activity was supervised by Dr. drg. Harsini, MS., and drg. Mutiara Annisa, MDSc.
The practicum aimed to equip students with skills in manipulating acrylic resin, one of the essential biomaterials in dentistry. Before entering the laboratory, students were required to follow established regulations, such as arriving on time, wearing lab coats and name tags, and ensuring that long hair was tied back.
During the practicum, students practiced various steps in manipulating acrylic resin, including preparing gypsum molds with CMS liquid, mixing monomer and polymer until reaching the dough phase, pressing, and using the curing unit for polymerization. The equipment used included a stellon pot, measuring pipette, metal flask, flask press, and curing unit. The entire process was carried out meticulously according to procedures, with time measurements using a stopwatch to ensure each step adhered to standard protocols.
After completing the practicum, students were expected to understand and correctly apply the techniques for manipulating acrylic resin, including mixing, pressing, and polymerization. These skills are crucial in supporting students’ clinical competencies in designing and producing acrylic resin-based dental restorations.
This practicum aligns with FKG UGM's efforts to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 4: Quality Education. The Faculty of Dentistry provides students with practical skills to enhance educational quality and contribute to community well-being through high-quality dental health services. This initiative serves as a concrete step in developing professional dental health practitioners who can contribute to improving the quality of life in Indonesia.
Contributor: Sri Pujiatun | Author: Al Haqi Insan Pratama
