16 January 2025
Threesna Sharfina
The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FKG USU) continues demonstrating its commitment to fostering student creativity and competitiveness by implementing the Coaching Clinic for Student Creativity Program (PKM) Proposals, conducted in two phases.
This program was designed as an intensive mentoring initiative to improve the quality of student proposals, ensuring they pass university-level selection and can compete nationally. Beyond technical guidance, the Coaching Clinic also serves as a platform to develop competitive mindsets and an innovative spirit among participants.
The first phase took place on January 14–16, 2025, reviewing 18 proposals from various study programs within FKG USU. Over three days, students received in-depth mentoring from experienced lecturers who provided input ranging from idea development and research method planning to proposal writing techniques aligned with PKM standards. The second phase was held on January 22–23, 2025, focusing on five selected proposals. Although fewer in number, the sessions were highly intensive to ensure each proposal was well-prepared and met the criteria set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).
In her remarks, the Dean of FKG USU, Dr. drg. Essie Octiara, Sp.KGA. Subsp.PKOA(K) expressed appreciation for the students' enthusiasm and the dedication of the mentoring lecturers.
“We hope that through this Coaching Clinic, FKG USU student proposals will be more prepared and competitive in the PKM competition. It’s not just about winning, but about building a culture of research and innovation among students,” she stated. The activity led to significant improvements in proposal quality, including clarity of ideas, background formulation, budgeting plans, and selecting appropriate methods. Participants also admitted that the mentoring was highly beneficial.
“We feel more confident in moving forward to the next stage. The feedback from the lecturers broadened our perspectives and greatly helped us refine crucial details,” said one of the students in the first-phase Coaching Clinic. Through this Coaching Clinic, FKG USU reinforces its strategic role in encouraging students to become future innovators. The program is also part of the faculty’s effort to cultivate a resilient and creative generation of young academics, capable of contributing meaningfully to society through scientific work and applied research.
