The Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), successfully conducted the Enrichment Program 2026 at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido (HSUH), Japan, from July 27 to August 7, 2026. Held over two weeks, the international academic program provided students with valuable opportunities to broaden their academic, clinical, and cultural perspectives through direct engagement with the dental education and healthcare systems in Japan. The program was attended by six delegates from the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS: Ailah Nazhifah Hery, Arviana Aprilia, Andi Kayla Catraliya Feriyanto, Chiara Dwi Antari, Annisa Awan Rifqa, and Nasya Evangeli Michaela. Their participation represented the Faculty’s continued commitment to fostering international academic exposure and developing students’ competencies within a global learning environment.
The Enrichment Program commenced with a campus tour of HSUH, introducing the delegates to the university’s academic facilities and learning environment. The opening activities were further marked by a warm welcome from the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry at HSUH, Prof. Shuichi Ito, and the President of HSUH, Prof. Kumi Mikuni. The welcoming session provided an important opportunity for academic exchange and strengthened the spirit of collaboration between the two institutions. Throughout the two-week program, the delegates participated in a diverse range of academic and clinical learning activities, including short lectures delivered by faculty members, laboratory visits to several departments, and opportunities to gain insight into the educational and research facilities supporting dental education at HSUH.
A significant component of the program was the opportunity to observe dental services directly at the HSUH Dental Clinic and HSUH Hospital. Delegates were introduced to the clinical environment, observing patient care, clinical workflows, and the integration of different dental specialties within a university-based healthcare setting. Furthermore, students had the exceptional opportunity to observe advanced oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures firsthand, providing valuable exposure to clinical decision-making, multidisciplinary collaboration, and professional standards in specialized dental care. Beyond the clinical activities, the program served as a platform for cross-cultural learning, enabling delegates to engage directly with HSUH faculty, researchers, and students to exchange perspectives on dental education and healthcare delivery across Indonesia and Japan.
This initiative directly aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By improving clinical dental observation and patient-centered care standards, the program supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. The international learning mobility and cross-cultural academic exchange advance SDG 4: Quality Education by expanding students’ global competencies. Furthermore, the strategic partnership between UNHAS and HSUH embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by promoting cross-border collaboration in dental science and medical education.
The successful implementation of the Enrichment Program 2026 reflects the ongoing efforts of the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS, to strengthen internationalization and global engagement in dental education. The program not only enriched students’ academic and clinical experiences but also encouraged them to develop broader global perspectives, cultural awareness, and professional networks. Through continued international collaboration with institutions such as HSUH, the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS, remains committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities for its students and advancing academic cooperation at the international level.
