From 8 to 24 July 2026, the Dental School of Okayama University, Japan, welcomed undergraduate dental students from Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), Indonesia, for the 2026 Enrichment Program. As part of the international community engagement (KKN) conversion initiative, the Program provided participants with valuable opportunities to expand their academic knowledge, deepen their clinical understanding, enhance their laboratory competencies, and develop an international perspective on dental education.
Throughout the Program, the students participated in a series of academic and professional activities organised by the Dental School of Okayama University. The Program began with an orientation and guidance session introducing the university, laboratory regulations, and the schedule of activities. Students were welcomed by faculty members and received an overview of the educational environment and research facilities at Okayama University.
During the enrichment Program, participants attended lectures delivered by professors from various departments, including Oral Biochemistry, Oral Physiology, Oral Pathology, Oral Pharmacology, Oral Function and Anatomy, Oral Morphology, and Occlusal & Oral Functional Rehabilitation. These lectures provided comprehensive insights into current concepts in dental science while introducing students to Japan’s educational and research approaches.
In addition to classroom learning, students joined practical laboratory sessions and hands-on activities. These included oral morphology laboratory exercises involving microscopic observation and specimen sketching, as well as experimental pharmacology sessions that allowed participants to understand pharmacological mechanisms through laboratory-based experiments. These practical experiences strengthened their scientific reasoning, analytical skills, and understanding of basic dental sciences.
The Program also featured clinical observation sessions in the Department of Prosthodontics, where students observed patient examinations, treatment planning, and various prosthodontic procedures, including crown placement, bite registration, removable partial denture fabrication, and other restorative treatments. Through these observations, participants gained valuable exposure to patient-centred clinical practice within the Japanese healthcare system.
Beyond academic activities, the enrichment Program promoted intercultural exchange and strengthened the partnership between UNHAS and Okayama University. Students had the opportunity to interact closely with Japanese faculty members, researchers, and fellow students, allowing them to experience a multicultural academic environment while expanding their international professional network.
The Program concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony, during which participants reflected on the knowledge, practical skills, and international experiences they had gained throughout the two-week Program. The successful implementation of the 2026 Enrichment Program demonstrates the continued commitment of Okayama University and UNHAS to fostering international collaboration, academic excellence, and the development of globally competent future dental professionals.
