11 September 2022
Threesna Sharfina
Forty-five students from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKG USU), were officially sworn in as dentists on Thursday, September 8, 2022, at the Nazir Alwi multifunction hall, FKG USU Medan. This graduation period introduced a new requirement: newly inducted dentists must undertake a six-month internship, comprising three months at a hospital and three months at a community health center (Puskesmas).
Dr. drg. Essie Octiara, Sp.KGA, Dean of FKG USU, highlighted the uniqueness of this cohort:
“This graduating batch is special, as they will directly engage in a 6-month program offered by the Ministry of Health.”
As per Minister of Health Regulation No. 7 of 2022, all newly graduated dentists in Indonesia must complete this internship. The program will commence nationwide in October. Representing the Medan City Health Office, Dr. Zulheri, M.Kn, Head of the Sub-Coordinator for Health Workforce Development, stated that Medan is currently the only region in North Sumatra registered to host this internship, including hospitals and community health centers.
New dentists must complete an internship before they can practice independently in Indonesia. Those who complete the program are eligible to open their practice. However, this rule does not apply to graduates from Malaysia.
The graduates, all of whom passed the Professional Dental Competency Examination (UKMP2DG) in August 2022, included three top-performing students in their professional education:
FKG USU remains committed to enhancing the competencies of its graduates, aligning with its vision of producing globally competitive professionals. The internship program is expected to further bolster their skills, preparing them for excellence in their professional endeavors.
