The Orthodontics Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) held an international guest lecture on “Clinical Excellence with Damon Q2” on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at the Faculty of Dentistry. The session featured Dr. Hertz A. Alano, DMD, MSD, Ph.D., an orthodontic expert from the Philippines, as the international guest speaker. The lecture was part of the program’s academic activities aimed at broadening residents’ knowledge and strengthening their clinical competencies. Participants gained insights into current developments in orthodontic treatment, particularly the clinical application of the Damon Q2 system.
During the session, Dr. Alano discussed various aspects of Damon Q2, including its fundamental principles, biomechanics, clinical mechanics, treatment approaches, and clinical considerations. He also emphasized the importance of proper treatment planning, appropriate case selection, and the application of biomechanical principles when determining treatment strategies based on each patient’s individual needs. The interactive discussion gave residents an opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Alano, raise questions, and explore clinical cases related to the use of Damon Q2. The exchange encouraged participants to think critically about different treatment options and clinical decision-making in orthodontic practice.
The event was also attended by Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Erni Marlina, drg., Ph.D., Sp.PM., Subsp.Inf.(K). Her participation reflected the faculty’s support for strengthening specialist education, scientific development, and clinical competency in orthodontics. Furthermore, Dr. Ardiansyah S. Pawinru, drg., Sp.Ort., Subsp.D.Dfk.T.K., Head of the Orthodontics Specialist Program, expressed his appreciation for Dr. Alano’s participation and the opportunity for residents to learn directly from an international expert.
He emphasized that engagement with international academics and practitioners provides residents with valuable opportunities to gain new perspectives on developments in orthodontic science and clinical practice. Dr. Ardiansyah also expressed hope that the knowledge gained from the guest lecture could be applied in both specialist education and clinical practice, while encouraging residents to continuously strengthen their competencies and stay informed about developments in orthodontic technology and treatment approaches. The “Clinical Excellence with Damon Q2” guest lecture reflects the continuing commitment of the UNHAS Faculty of Dentistry and its Orthodontics Specialist Program to integrating scientific knowledge, clinical experience, and international academic exchange in specialist education. Through such activities, residents are given greater exposure to contemporary orthodontic approaches while preparing to meet the evolving demands of professional clinical practice.
Under the supervision of Dr. Sari and the UNHAS Department of Oral Medicine team, participants observed and practiced patient examinations for the early detection of OPMD. They also took part in a session on oral lesion documentation titled “How to Capture Oral Lesion,” focused on improving the quality and consistency of clinical documentation. This hands-on approach enabled participating dentists to connect the concepts introduced during the workshop with real clinical situations. Strengthening these competencies at the primary care level is particularly important because patients with oral abnormalities may first seek treatment at community-based healthcare facilities before being referred to specialist or hospital services.
Beyond clinical training, the program also represented an academic contribution from the Doctoral Program in Dental Medicine at the UNHAS Faculty of Dentistry in the area of public oral health. The involvement of academics, clinicians, dental specialists, and primary healthcare providers demonstrated how university-based expertise can be connected with community-level healthcare needs. The program placed particular emphasis on reducing delays in identifying suspicious oral lesions by strengthening the capacity of professionals who may encounter patients during the early stages of disease.
The collaboration is also expected to extend beyond Makassar. Further activities are being planned in Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi, including calibration training for local dentists as well as research and community engagement initiatives. Expanding the program to Tana Toraja is expected to provide further opportunities to strengthen early oral cancer detection in communities where betel-quid chewing remains an important consideration in oral health. Through continued international collaboration and community-based clinical training, the UNHAS Faculty of Dentistry aims to strengthen expertise in Oral Medicine while expanding the reach of early detection practices beyond specialist settings. The initiative also demonstrates how international academic exchange can translate into practical improvements in professional training and community oral healthcare.