The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), has a strong reputation in multidisciplinary research, including the fields of community dental health, pediatric dentistry, and industrial design engineering. Rieza felt that the scientific approach at FKG UGM is well balanced—strong theoretically yet open to applied technological innovation. In addition, the academic culture is highly supportive and collaborative, making Rieza feel able to grow as a researcher. “I pursued my doctoral studies with the support of an institutional scholarship from the Ministry of Health’s Study Assignment Program (Tubel Kemenkes), as part of lecturer development and the enhancement of research capacity in the field of health technology,” Rieza explained.
The Role of the Doctoral Program at FKG UGM for Rieza
The Doctoral Program in Dental Sciences (IKG) at FKG UGM provided a very strong scientific foundation, particularly in research methodology, interdisciplinary approaches, and scientific validation. Through intensive supervision by lecturers of the Doctoral Program in Dental Sciences at FKG UGM, including Prof. dr. Mei Neni Sitaresmi, Sp.A(K)., Ph.D., drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH., Ph.D., and Prof. drg. Sri Kuswandari, M.S., Sp.KGA(K)., Ph.D., I learned how to transform field phenomena into impactful research—not only for publications, but also for innovations that can be applied in the real world. Equipped with a dissertation titled “Development of an Adaptive Toothbrush Model to Improve Dental and Oral Health in Children with Down Syndrome,” Rieza successfully earned a doctoral degree.
“I believe that downstreaming is not the final stage, but part of the research cycle. A dissertation that stops at the examination table only produces knowledge, while one that is translated into application can generate social change. GAMA Brush DS is a concrete example of how academic research can bridge societal needs with technological solutions,” explained Rieza.
The greatest challenge for Rieza was maintaining a balance between clinical aspects and product design. Involving children with Down syndrome in trials required an empathetic approach, collaboration with teachers, and sensitive communication. In addition, the 3D printing production process with precise design parameters required extensive experimentation and time.
Rieza assessed that FKG UGM is already very comprehensive, but would become even stronger by continuously opening space for cross-faculty and even cross-university collaboration. Interdisciplinarity is the key to the future of applied health research.
Values Uphold by Rieza
Rieza believes in three values: empathy, consistency, and usefulness. Empathy drives ideas, consistency sustains motivation, and usefulness ensures that the knowledge we possess has a positive impact on others.
Rieza’s Goals
Rieza aims to continue developing research in the field of adaptive technology for persons with disabilities, to make the Health Polytechnic of the Ministry of Health in Tasikmalaya (Poltekkes Kemenkes Tasikmalaya) a center for innovation in inclusive medical devices, and to continue collaborating with FKG UGM. In addition, Rieza hopes that GAMA Brush DS can become a national product manufactured in Indonesia and used by children with Down syndrome throughout the archipelago.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Rieza’s Personal Documentation
