The Faculty of Dentistry at the Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKG USU) conducted face-to-face learning (PTM) for the Even Semester on Monday, February 7, 2022. Following this, the COVID-19 task force conducted a visitation to assess the readiness and preparations of the Faculty for conducting face-to-face lectures. Dean Dr. drg. Essie Octiara, Sp.KGA, explained that preparations for face-to-face lectures starting on February 7, 2022, had been underway at FKG USU for several weeks. They also conducted orientations for students and faculty regarding health protocols during face-to-face classes. Students were not allowed to roam freely during breaks as designated areas were provided. After breaks, the classrooms used were disinfected.
The Dean also mentioned that the first hour of these hybrid lectures experienced slight delays due to faculty adjustments in combining online and face-to-face teaching.
FKG USU had prepared supporting facilities such as computers, cameras, sound systems, internet networks, and adequate classrooms. Dr. Putri Welda Utami Ritonga, MDSc., Sp.Pros(K), who attended these face-to-face lectures, stated that the hybrid teaching system combining online and offline simultaneously was beneficial. This was the first experience after conducting online lectures throughout the pandemic. So far, the implementation of hybrid lectures has been smooth due to well-prepared operational standards by FKG USU.
In this Even Semester, three batches of students attend face-to-face lectures: from 2019 to 2021. The 2021 batch is divided into two class groups, while the 2020 and 2019 batches are divided into four class groups each. Some attend on campus, and others participate in online lectures from home. Strict health protocols will be enforced during PTM to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 and ensure smooth face-to-face lectures.