03 April 2024
Threesna Sharfina
The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) and Haji Hospital Medan (RS Haji) have officially extended their collaboration in a concerted effort to fulfill educational needs and support IKU objectives. This extension was marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding at an event held at RS Haji, attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the USU Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM USU), the Dental Testing Lab of FKG USU, the Head of the Professional Dentist Education Program (PSPPDG), and the FKG USU Dean's Office, represented by Vice Dean I, Dr. drg. Olivia Avriyanti Hanafiah Sp.B.M.M., Subsp.C.O.M.(K), and Vice Dean III, Dr. drg. Pitu Wulandari S.Psi., Sp.Perio, Subsp.MP(K).
In her statement, Vice Dean III of FKG USU, who oversees cooperation initiatives, Dr. drg. Pitu Wulandari S.Psi., Sp.Perio, Subsp.MP(K), emphasized that the extension of this partnership represents a strategic step in strengthening ties between FKG USU and RS Haji. This collaboration focuses on the university's tri-dharma pillars of education, research, and community service.
"This partnership is not merely a continuation of the previous agreement but also a shared commitment to enhancing student education by addressing the tri-dharma of higher education," she stated.
One of the extended collaboration areas includes the enhancement of services provided jointly by RSGM USU and RS Haji in dental healthcare. Through this partnership, dental health services at RS Haji are expected to become more accessible and of higher quality for the public. Additionally, FKG USU's Dental Testing Lab will actively participate in research and the development of dental health technologies at RS Haji, fostering innovations that enhance service effectiveness and efficiency.
The head of the PSPPDG program, Prof. Dr. drg. Andi Martinah Nasution, Sp.RKG(K) also attended the event and highlighted dentists' vital role in supporting the prevention and treatment of dental and oral diseases.
"Dentists play a crucial role in maintaining the community's oral health. We aim to produce highly competent and ethical dentists through this collaboration," she said.
Vice Dean I, Dr. drg. Olivia Avriyanti Hanafiah Sp.B.M.M., Subsp.C.O.M.(K) noted that this extended partnership would significantly benefit FKG USU students by enhancing their clinical skills and field experience.
"Through this collaboration, students will have the opportunity to interact directly with patients and gain valuable clinical practice experience," she remarked.
Vice Dean III, Dr. drg. Pitu Wulandari S.Psi., Sp.Perio, Subsp.MP(K) underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving public dental health.
"By involving various stakeholders, including academics, healthcare practitioners, and government entities, we can create a strong synergy to tackle the dental health challenges society faces," she explained.
This renewed partnership between FKG USU and RS Haji is expected to bring significant positive impacts on the dental health of the Medan community and its surroundings. With close collaboration between the two institutions, a holistic, integrated, and sustainable dental healthcare system is envisioned, contributing to a healthier society and a better quality of life.
