The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), held the peak celebration of its 78th Anniversary under the theme Empowering Sociopreneurs in Dentistry: Education and Technology for Oral Health Transformation at the 3rd Floor Auditorium of the Margono Soeradji Building, FKG UGM, on Thursday (Mar. 5).
On this anniversary, the FKG UGM reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining and enhancing excellence in education, research, and community service.
During the Open Senate Meeting, UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed appreciation for this year’s anniversary theme, which focuses on empowering social entrepreneurs in dentistry by strengthening education and adapting technology to drive transformation in oral health.
“We cannot deny that technological development has a major impact on education and healthcare services, including in dentistry and oral health,” she said.
Professor Ova noted that dental services are undergoing a shift, not only in terms of the tools used but also in the patient experience. Today, patients can easily access a wide range of health information online. As such, advances in dental service technology should be accessible to all members of society.
This is where the role of dental sociopreneurs becomes crucial, she said, as they are expected to bridge community needs with technological advancements. Dental sociopreneurs can also contribute to a new paradigm in dental services in Indonesia—one that is comprehensive, prioritizes preventive approaches, is technology-based, and employs holistic, innovative, and patient-centered methods.
“In this context, the Faculty of Dentistry plays a strategic role as a ‘learning laboratory’ to enhance the quality of human resource competencies through curriculum transformation, strengthened community service programs, improved research quality, innovation development, and the expansion of technology-based networks,” she explained.
Dean of the FKG UGM, Professor Suryono, stated that the 78th anniversary celebration in 2026 marks the conclusion of the current faculty management’s five-year leadership term. The period has been characterized by various strategic achievements resulting from sustained efforts, collaborative initiatives, and adaptive approaches to evolving dynamics and challenges.
“Over the past five years, the FKG UGM has continuously strengthened governance, improved academic quality, developed human resources, and expanded collaborative networks,” he said.
According to him, the various performance achievements reflect the synergy of the entire academic community in realizing the faculty’s vision of a leading, competitive dental education institution that contributes meaningfully to society. He acknowledged that without hard work, dedication, and collective spirit, the faculty’s Key Performance Targets (TCK) outlined in its work programs would not have been achieved.
“We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to all lecturers, staff, students, partners, and stakeholders who have actively contributed and provided support throughout 2025 and during this five-year leadership period,” he added.
On the occasion, he also presented updates on various developments and progress in advancing quality, inclusive, and sustainable education, as well as strengthening a research and innovation ecosystem that fosters collaboration, community engagement, and social impact.
He also highlighted efforts to cultivate a campus environment that is conducive, productive, healthy, and inclusive—one that supports the development of human resources capable of enhancing capacity, sustaining leadership continuity, and ensuring the institution’s long-term sustainability.
Among the strategic directions discussed regarding education and global recognition was the agenda to strengthen the faculty’s reputation toward achieving inclusion in the QS World University Rankings (QS WUR) by Subject in Dentistry. The year 2025 marks a strategic acceleration moment for the FKG UGM in strengthening high-quality education with a global reputation.
The target of entering the Top 100 QS Dentistry rankings is pursued through accountable governance, productive research, and professional contributions, supported by Outcome-Based Education, the integration of digital dentistry, and the development of students’ global competencies.
Meanwhile, the recognition of the FKG UGM within national and international academic and professional communities is reflected in its 285 collaborations in 2025. International partnerships have steadily increased, from four in 2022 to nine in 2025, with reputable universities and the World Health Organization (WHO). Academic mobility has also expanded through the participation of 22 students in student exchange programs between 2021 and 2025, as well as the involvement of global adjunct professors.
“Internationalization and student mobility programs serve as strategic instruments to broaden academic horizons. Through inbound and outbound mechanisms, we create an inclusive two-way learning ecosystem for the entire academic community, without limiting opportunities to undergraduate programs alone but also opening wider access for postgraduate programs,” he concluded.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photo: Donnie