From 13 to 31 July 2026, two undergraduate dental students from the Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), participated in the 2026 Enrichment Program at the Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, Japan. The Program provided the participants with valuable opportunities to experience Japan’s dental education and healthcare system while enhancing their clinical knowledge, practical skills, and global perspective on dentistry.
The Program commenced with an official welcoming ceremony at the Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University. The delegation from UNHAS—comprising Dyfia Kyoko Ibrahim and Nurul Amira Arkam—was accompanied by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS, Acing Habibie Mude, drg., Ph.D., Sp.Pros., Subsp.OGST(K), who attended the ceremony alongside the participating students. Faculty members from both universities attended the event, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening academic collaboration and international exchange. Following the ceremony, the students participated in an orientation session introducing the university, hospital facilities, operating rooms, clinical training environment, and overall Program schedule.
Throughout the Program, the students engaged in a variety of clinical and educational activities organised by the Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University. The main focus of the Program was clinical observation in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, where participants gained valuable exposure to advanced oral and maxillofacial surgical practices in Japan.
During their clinical rotations, the students observed a wide range of surgical procedures, including orthognathic surgery, oral cancer surgery, cleft lip and palate surgery, reconstructive surgery, and bone grafting procedures. They also participated in ward rounds, where they observed perioperative patient management—from preoperative assessment through to postoperative care—gaining a comprehensive understanding of multidisciplinary treatment within the Japanese healthcare system.
Furthermore, the students attended outpatient clinics to observe patient examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and postoperative follow-up. They also visited several specialised departments and facilities within Kyushu University Hospital, including the Department of Radiology, Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Implant Centre, Department of Periodontology, Department of Endodontics, Department of Prosthodontics, research laboratories, and the Dental Laboratory. These visits enabled the participants to gain a broader understanding of the roles of each specialty and the comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to dental care in Japan.
On 17 July, the participants visited the Yasunaga Orthodontic Clinic, where they observed the clinical workflow, patient management, and treatment planning in a private orthodontic practice. This experience provided valuable insight into community-based dental care and allowed the students to better understand the diversity of Japan’s dental healthcare delivery system beyond the university hospital setting.
Beyond clinical training, the Program promoted intercultural exchange and strengthened the partnership between UNHAS and Kyushu University. Throughout the experience, participants interacted closely with Japanese faculty members, dentists, residents, and students, allowing them to experience a multicultural learning environment while expanding their international professional network.
The 2026 Enrichment Program at Kyushu University offered the participants valuable opportunities to deepen their clinical knowledge and practical understanding of dentistry while gaining broader insight into Japan’s dental education and healthcare system. Furthermore, the Program strengthened the academic partnership and international collaboration between UNHAS and Kyushu University, paving the way for continued cooperation and future exchange opportunities.
