The Faculty of Dentistry at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) strengthened clinical capacity in the early detection of oral cancer through a series of activities titled “Oral Cancer Examination & Clinical Exposure,” held from Saturday, 8 August to Monday, 10 August 2026 in Makassar. Organized by the Department of Oral Medicine in collaboration with the Oral Medicine Specialist Program, the program combined a workshop on the standardized examination of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) at the Hasanuddin University Dental Hospital (RSGMP UNHAS) with direct clinical exposure at Jongaya Primary Health Center.
The program featured Dr. drg. Elizabeth Fitriana Sari, Sp.PM., Ph.D., Associate Professor at the College of Dentistry, Ajman University, United Arab Emirates, as the international expert. Her academic and clinical experience in oral medicine and oral cancer screening provided participants with perspectives on strengthening early detection in both dental and primary healthcare settings. The topic is particularly relevant because early recognition of potentially malignant oral disorders plays an important role in reducing delays in oral cancer diagnosis. Risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel-quid chewing also make stronger awareness and screening capacity among healthcare professionals increasingly important.
The workshop began on Saturday, 8 August 2026, at RSGMP UNHAS with presentations on the early detection of OPMD, followed by a demonstration of standardized Conventional Oral Examination (COE) techniques. Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Erni Marlina, drg., Ph.D., Sp.PM., Subsp.Inf.(K) highlighted the importance of strengthening general dentists’ ability to recognize early signs of oral malignancy. The event was officially opened by Dr. Muhammad Gazali, drg., MARS., Sp.B.M.Mf., Subsp.Tr.Mf.S.Tm., Deputy Director of RSGMP UNHAS.
Beyond theoretical instruction, participants worked in groups to discuss and analyze clinical cases. The session concluded with a perception calibration exercise led by Dr. Sari to establish greater consistency in how participants identified and interpreted suspicious oral lesions. The calibration process was an important part of the training because differences in clinical interpretation can affect how early potentially malignant disorders are recognized and referred for further examination.
The program continued on Monday, 10 August 2026, with clinical exposure at RSGMP UNHAS and Jongaya Primary Health Center. While the earlier sessions focused on theoretical understanding, case discussions, and examination standards, the clinical exposure gave participants an opportunity to apply their knowledge directly in a primary healthcare setting.