On Friday (November 10th), the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) witnessed an important moment for students in the Dentistry program, particularly those who participated in the Dental Profession Program Competency Exam (UKMP2DG). The graduation announcement was made by the Dean of FKG USU, accompanied by Dr. drg. Essie Octiara, Sp.KGA(K), and Vice Dean I, Dr. drg. Olivia Afriyanti Hanafiah, Sp.BMM, Subsp.C.O.M(K).
The event began with a speech from the Dean of FKG USU, who encouraged the graduates not to be satisfied with just becoming dentists, but to pursue specialization or, for those not interested in clinical practice, to consider an academic path (master's degree). The Dean emphasized that such qualifications are essential for future roles, such as heads of community health centers, hospital directors, or, at the very least, managers. This year, only one student did not pass the OSCE. For those who did not pass, the Dean encouraged them to form a learning community with the 27 others, intending to study together until the next briefing in mid-November. The Dean expressed hope that all remaining students would pass the internship by January, especially with the new regulation stipulating that graduates must complete it within two years (n+2 rule).
Next, Dr. drg. Essie Octiara, Sp.KGA(K) provided further information regarding the exam results and graduation process. In her address, Dr. Essie Octiara acknowledged that while the exam results were not poor, they were not entirely satisfactory either. FKG USU has not yet achieved a 100% graduation rate, with results ranging from above 80% to below 90%.
Vice Dean I, Dr. drg. Olivia Afriyanti Hanafiah, Sp.BMM, Subsp.C.O.M(K), also motivated the graduates. She emphasized that their journey in the dental profession would not end there but would mark the beginning of greater challenges. She reminded the graduates to continue developing themselves and to maintain integrity as they practice dentistry.
The graduation announcement was attended by faculty members, staff, and the students' families, who celebrated their success together. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and happiness, evident on the faces of the graduates who had completed the UKMP2DG program. Following the announcement, the event continued with group photos and congratulations from the attendees.
This graduation marks the beginning of a promising journey towards greater success for the UKMP2DG FKG USU graduates. We congratulate all the graduates and hope they will achieve great accomplishments in dentistry.
