Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through its Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM), signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Faculty of Medicine of Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) on Tuesday (Jan. 6). The agreement marks the initial step in providing mentorship for the establishment of a Dentistry Study Program at the Faculty of Medicine of UNP. The signing underscores the commitment of both universities to strengthening the education of health professionals, particularly dentists. This initiative is expected to help address the high demand for dental and oral health services across Indonesia.
Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Professor Ova Emilia, stated that this mentoring initiative is part of UGM’s responsibility as a national university with a long history in the development of medical education.
The experience of FKG UGM, the first dental education institution in Indonesia, is an essential asset in the mentoring process. The Rector emphasized that the assistance would be carried out with full commitment while upholding academic quality and professional ethics.
“Establishing a faculty of dentistry is a major challenge; therefore, mentoring must be undertaken seriously to ensure that educational quality is truly maintained,” she stressed.
Furthermore, Professor Emilia emphasized that the spirit of developing health education must be grounded in concern for society.
Dental education, she noted, needs to instill social empathy so that graduates are sensitive to public health needs. This value has long been a defining characteristic of medical education at UGM and is relevant to be shared through the mentoring process.
“Educating the nation means ensuring that health professionals graduate with both competence and concern for society,” she remarked.
She also conveyed that the collaboration is not intended as a purely ceremonial activity but rather as a long-term process encompassing various academic endeavors.
The mentoring will include curriculum strengthening, human resource development, research, and community service. Through this approach, the Dentistry Study Program at UNP is expected to grow gradually and sustainably.
“UGM is ready to consistently carry out its mentoring role so that the study program being developed truly reaches maturity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Rector of Universitas Negeri Padang, Dr. Krismadinata, expressed his appreciation for UGM’s willingness to support the establishment of the Dentistry Study Program at UNP.
He viewed the collaboration as a strategic step to strengthen UNP’s contribution to the development of health education. According to him, the demand for dentists in Indonesia remains very high, making the establishment of this program highly relevant.
“We chose UGM because of its reputation and track record in building medical education that is oriented toward quality and social concern,” he stated.
Dr. Krismadinata added that establishing a Dentistry Study Program requires thorough preparation across various aspects. Mentoring from an experienced institution is considered crucial to ensure that the process proceeds in accordance with established standards.
He affirmed UNP’s commitment to remain open to feedback and guidance throughout the collaboration.
“We are ready to be guided openly, as this is part of our effort to safeguard the quality of the education we are building,” he said.
In closing, the UNP Rector expressed hope that the collaboration would produce dentists who are professional and empathetic toward society. He believes that cooperation with UGM will strengthen his institution’s capacity to educate health professionals with integrity.
This partnership is expected to have a tangible impact on the development of dental education and services in Indonesia.
“May this collaboration give rise to a generation of dentists who are competent and oriented toward the greater good of society,” he concluded.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographer: Donnie Trisfian