That morning, enthusiastic footsteps filled the halls of the Dental Learning Center at FKG UGM. A delegation from the Dentistry Study Program at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) arrived with a clear mission: to learn, absorb knowledge, and lay the foundation for establishing a new Dentistry Program in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra.
Among them was drg. Syadira Putri Janna, affectionately known as drg. Dira. For the alumna of Universitas Jember, Yogyakarta was familiar territory, yet each visit to FKG UGM—long recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading dental education centers—offered new perspectives.
“We didn’t come just to learn, but to truly absorb and understand,” she said.
Academic Apprenticeship: Learning from the Established
Over five days (February 17–21, 2026), four prospective lecturers and four laboratory staff from UNP participated in workshops, lab observations, and curriculum discussions. The program was part of preparatory mentoring for opening the UNP Dentistry Program under FKG UGM’s supervision.
For drg. Dira, the most striking aspect was not the advanced technology, but the continuously evolving academic culture.
“The most fundamental lesson is this: never feel satisfied. Even an institution as large as UGM still benchmarks and keeps learning. That’s the biggest takeaway for us,” she said.
Key observations included digital learning systems, well-structured SOPs, and detailed practicum scheduling.
“We realized that behind a single schedule lies a structured and tested system. This isn’t just about teaching—it’s about building an educational ecosystem,” she added.
Technology and Clinical Ethics
In the skills lab, the group explored modern dental units equipped with phantom anesthesia systems that provide feedback when procedures are performed correctly.
For drg. Dira, this prompted reflection:
“In the past, we practiced anesthesia directly on peers. Now, technology allows students to train safely without risk. This is not just about tools—it’s about safety and educational ethics.”
She emphasized that new programs should not aim merely to meet minimum standards but should strive to exceed them, given future accreditation demands and public expectations.
A Vision for Oral Surgery in Bukittinggi
Amid academic discussions, drg. Dira shared her personal aspiration to specialize in oral surgery. Bukittinggi currently lacks a resident oral surgeon.
“I hope that after completing my specialization, I can return and serve. Patients shouldn’t always have to travel to other cities,” she said.
She also envisions establishing a cleft center in West Sumatra—a comprehensive service center for cleft lip and palate cases.
From Biology to Dentistry
Annisa Indah Rahman, S.Si., a laboratory staff member with a background in Biology, also experienced a significant learning transformation.
“Seeing cadavers for the first time was a new experience. Working with resin, alginate, and gypsum was entirely new to me,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she viewed it as an opportunity:
“The five days felt short. There was so much new information, but it’s essential preparation for next week’s accreditation visit.”
She noted that the biggest challenge was not equipment, but developing clinical thinking.
“If students don’t understand, we must understand first. That’s our responsibility,” she emphasized.
Education as Social Responsibility
This visit was more than an academic exchange—it reflected a commitment to building from the ground up, learning from established institutions, and recognizing that dental education is not only about producing professionals but also about improving equitable healthcare access.
Behind the modules, schedules, and advanced tools lies hope—that people in West Sumatra will one day no longer need to travel far for specialized care.
Building an institution is not about instant success, but about continuously learning without ever feeling complacent.
Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
