Yogyakarta, January 7, 2026. The handover of departmental and study program leadership positions at the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) for the 2026–2031 term marks an important milestone in institutional regeneration while reinforcing the quality of dental education amid rapid technological disruption. During the forum, which was held simultaneously across the university, newly appointed officials were urged to be innovative, adaptive, and uphold integrity in managing the university’s tridharma (education, research, and community service).
Leadership regeneration within the faculty of dentistry is no longer viewed merely as a change of names within the organizational structure. The transition carries significant expectations to ensure that dental, dental hygiene, specialist, and subspecialist education remains relevant to the evolving needs of society. Developments such as digital dentistry, the use of artificial intelligence, and precision dentistry demand swift responses at both departmental and study program levels.
Study programs and departments at FKG UGM play a highly strategic role in educating competent, ethical, and nationally and globally competitive oral health professionals. However, the institution faces considerable challenges ahead, ranging from meeting sustainable accreditation standards and limitations in clinical education facilities to increasing research output and scientific publications. At the same time, the characteristics of the current student generation—who tend to prefer instant results—are reshaping learning approaches.
Representing the managerial officials of FKG UGM for the 2026–2031 term, Dr. Leny Pratiwi Arie Sandy, S.Kp.G., MDSc., as Head of the Dental Hygiene Study Program, emphasized that institutional success depends on solid teamwork. “We realize that this position is not merely a formal role, but a great responsibility that demands integrity, dedication, and hard work. We will continue and enhance the achievements of the previous period,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. drg. Widowati Siswomihardjo, M.S., in her remarks representing the outgoing leadership, noted that her experience in managing postgraduate education revealed complex human dimensions. Postgraduate education is not merely an academic space, but also a field of struggle encompassing fear, fatigue, family issues, and even conflicts between students and supervisors or among supervisors themselves. This reality serves as a reminder that a head of study program’s role is not solely administrative, but also one of heartfelt mentorship. She conveyed the message to guide students with empathy—“guide your students with your heart.”
In his presentation, the Dean of FKG UGM linked external challenges to the need for formulating new strategies. He cited benchmarking efforts and the initiation of collaboration with Universitas Terbuka (UT) to reach regions geographically limited in accessing advanced education. UT’s efficient management of 1.5 million students has inspired UGM to develop distance learning programs, particularly for programs that do not require extensive laboratory research.
The status of a Legal Entity State University (PTN-BH) was also highlighted as a new reality. Faculties are required to independently bear part of their obligations, and future leadership must be solid and dynamic in responding to ongoing changes while remaining sensitive to the faculty’s potential.
“We have taken the initiative to build with internal independence, not relying solely on grants. A new building is projected to support technological adaptation, such as a digital dentistry laboratory,” the Dean said. He added that all planning processes must be free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism, ensuring that integrity is truly upheld.
UGM Rector’s Decrees No. 1660 to 1671 of 2025 record the appointments of heads and secretaries of study programs and departments at FKG UGM for the 2026–2031 period, including the Head of the Undergraduate Dentistry Program, Head of the Dental Hygiene Program, Head of the Professional Dental Program, and heads of the master’s and doctoral programs. The appointed officials were formally established electronically in Yogyakarta on December 31, 2025, by Rector Ova Emilia.
The handover forum is expected to serve as a momentum to reaffirm the vision of being “deeply rooted and reaching high,” with direct impact on public dental health services across various regions. The need for dental human resources in areas such as Lamandau and Tabalong remains limited, and the future presence of UGM’s distance education is expected to broaden access to higher qualifications.
Furthermore, lecturers and educational staff were reminded to actively participate in updating needs-based curricula, enhancing faculty competencies through research collaboration, and promoting optimal infrastructure provision. This call positions regeneration as a collective endeavor rather than an individual effort.
Ultimately, the leadership handover at FKG UGM bridges two major interests: the continuity of strong academic traditions and the courage to embrace modern technology. Between the two, integrity remains the primary anchor to ensure that every innovation serves the public interest. Leadership regeneration thus finds broader meaning as a long-term commitment to maintaining the relevance of dental education in Indonesia.
Congratulations and best wishes in carrying out the mandate.
Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
