The Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), in collaboration with Hokkaido University, Japan, successfully organized the Virtual Symposium Series: Periodontology as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration and advancing excellence in dental education and research. The symposium was held online on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Central Indonesia Time (WITA) and 5:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).
The event featured Professor Naoki Takahashi, DDS, Ph.D., from the Department of Periodontology, Graduate School of Dental Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan, as the keynote speaker. The symposium was officially opened by Dr. Erni Marlina, DDS, Ph.D., Sp.PM., Subsp.Inf.Im., Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS. This edition of the symposium held under the theme “Periodontology and Periodontics: Basics and Beyond,” highlighting recent scientific advances and emerging perspectives in periodontal science and clinical practice.
In his presentation, Professor Takahashi explained that periodontology is a specialized field of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone. He emphasized that a comprehensive understanding of these biological foundations is essential for maintaining oral health and contributes significantly to overall well-being.He further explained that continuous advances in biomedical science and clinical technology have expanded the scope of periodontics beyond conventional periodontal therapy. Contemporary periodontal care increasingly incorporates preventive, regenerative, and rehabilitative strategies supported by innovations in diagnostic methods, biomaterials, and evidence-based clinical practice. These developments have enhanced treatment predictability and improved long-term patient outcomes.
The symposium was attended by dental professionals, alumni of the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students from various regions of Indonesia. The strong participation reflected growing interest in international scientific exchange and professional development in the field of dentistry. Through this collaborative initiative, UNHAS and Hokkaido University reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening international partnerships, promoting knowledge exchange, and advancing education, research, and clinical innovation in dentistry. The symposium also served as a strategic platform for fostering academic dialogue and expanding global collaboration to address contemporary challenges in oral healthcare.
This initiative primarily supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by promoting knowledge and professional development in oral healthcare, which contributes to improved health outcomes. It also supports SDG 4: Quality Education by providing students and dental professionals with access to international scientific knowledge and learning opportunities, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthened academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between UNHAS and Hokkaido University.