Seoul, South Korea – In an effort to strengthen professional development in the field of periodontics, the Periodontics Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), participated in the 4th Annual Conference of the Asia Pacific Society of Osseointegration (APSO) held on September 7-8, 2024.
This event provided an important platform for faculty and residents to update their knowledge and skills, keeping pace with the latest technological advancements and research in dental implants and periodontics.
Lecturers and residents from the Periodontics Program at FKG UGM attended the conference alongside participants from various countries in the Asia Pacific region. The conference commenced on September 7 with an opening speech by Prof. Hom Lay Wang, who presented on sinus lifting procedures and potential complications.
Following that, Dr. Teresa Chanting Sun explained soft tissue management techniques around implants.
Additionally, practical workshops were held on the first day. One key session attended by FKG UGM faculty and residents focused on alveolar ridge preservation in extraction sockets, led by Prof. Ki-Tae Koo.
Dr. Wisnu, one of the participating lecturers, stated, “This hands-on session opened new insights into alveolar ridge preservation procedures, particularly due to Prof. Ki-Tae Koo's extensive experience.”
On the second day (September 8), the focus shifted to full-arch implant rehabilitation presented by Prof. Panos Papaspyridakos. Participants were highly engaged as Prof. Papaspyridakos discussed the importance of good prosthetic design for optimal outcomes.
Prof. Jung-Chul Park then conducted a session on surgical techniques and suturing, providing technical insights for the attendees.
The second day also included practical workshops on soft tissue management for guided bone regeneration (GBR), led by Prof. Jung-Chul Park.
Residents from FKG UGM who attended this session felt they gained valuable experience that could be directly applied in clinical practice.
Praise for Participants from Indonesia
The presence of participants from Indonesia also received special attention from the seminar's MC, Dr. Joseph Capetillo, DMD, MS, a member of APSO. In his remarks, he praised the contributions of Indonesian participants during the discussion sessions, stating, “Indonesia has always represented itself very well at APSO events, particularly in the in-depth discussions during the Q&A sessions.”
Importance of Collaboration and Sustainable Development
This conference underscored the importance of global collaboration in advancing dental science, particularly in the field of periodontics. The insights gained by participants from FKG UGM are expected to enrich the learning and research processes on campus.
Moreover, participation in international events like this aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in supporting quality education and promoting lifelong learning.
FKG UGM's active participation in APSO not only strengthens its academic position on the international stage but also opens opportunities for research collaboration that can contribute to the advancement of dental science in the future.
By keeping pace with global developments, FKG UGM is committed to providing relevant and quality education for all its students and lecturers.
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The 4th Annual Conference of the Asia Pacific Society of Osseointegration in Seoul served as a venue for participants to enhance their skills and knowledge in dental implants and periodontics.
With a dedication to continuous education, FKG UGM has demonstrated its commitment to advancing the dental profession. Through this event, faculty and residents of FKG UGM gained valuable experiences that can be applied in teaching and practice, in line with the SDGs goal 4 that support quality education and sustainable professional development.
Authors: drg. Rezmelia Sari, MSc., Sp.Perio., SubSp. R.P.I.D (K)., Pram
