Improving education quality is not an end goal but rather an ongoing process that needs to be systematically and measurably monitored. This commitment forms the foundation for the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) in undergoing the Field Visit Accreditation for the Master of Clinical Dentistry Program by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Higher Education in Health (LAM-PTKes) from 15 to 17 April 2025.
The event was also attended by the Head of the University’s Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit (SPMRU), Prof. Indra Wijaya Kusuma, M.B.A., Ph.D. In his speech, he conveyed that accreditation is a critical instrument for maintaining the accountability of higher education institutions. According to him, the role of assessors goes beyond administrative evaluation and includes providing strategic input on curriculum development, human resources, and the effectiveness of academic governance.
Two assessors from LAM-PTKes, Prof. Dr. Eha Renwi Astuti, drg., M.Kes., Sp.R.K.G, Subsp. Rad.D(K), and Prof. Dr. drg. Bahruddin Thalib, M.Kes, Sp.Pros(K), conducted assessments on various aspects of the education program. The activities began with a presentation from the Dean of FKG UGM on the implementation of the tridarma (threefold mission) of higher education, followed by interviews with faculty, students, and academic staff. The assessor team also visited several learning support facilities, including laboratories, the Dental Learning Center, and the Prof. Soedomo Dental and Oral Hospital as a clinical practice venue.
Dean of FKG UGM, drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., emphasized that this event is part of a continuous improvement process in educational management. "This accreditation visit is an essential step to ensure that the implementation of the Master of Clinical Dentistry Program meets the established quality standards and provides us with an opportunity for evaluation to refine our existing processes," he stated.
Prof. Eha Renwi Astuti expressed appreciation for FKG UGM's readiness to build a measurable and responsive education system that addresses both academic and clinical needs. Meanwhile, Prof. Bahruddin Thalib noted that the program has strong potential to produce clinically competent graduates oriented toward the development of knowledge relevant to contemporary challenges.
This visit is part of the external quality assurance cycle based on national standards. The evaluation is expected to lay the foundation for strengthening the program towards achieving superior accreditation and enhancing the competitiveness of graduates both nationally and internationally.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi H.
