The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), through its International Affairs Office, successfully organised an International Class Guest Lecture for the Biomechanics and Tooth Movement Course. The academic event featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saraswathy Devi Sinniah from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, is the invited speaker.
Held on Saturday, 2 May 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Molar Room in the FKG UNHAS, the lecture attracted enthusiastic participation from undergraduate preclinical dental students and specialist residents, providing an excellent platform for international academic exchange and professional development. Faculty members from the FKG also attended the guest lecture. Among the distinguished attendees were Muhammad Izzah Abdillah, drg., M.S., as moderator and Baharuddin M. Ranggang, drg., M.Kes., Sp.Ort., SubSp. DDPK(K), whose participation further enriched the academic discussions and reflected the faculty’s commitment to fostering a collaborative learning environment and strengthening international academic engagement.
During the lecture, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saraswathy Devi Sinniah delivered a presentation entitled “Guiding Growth Early: Navigating Interceptive Orthodontic Care and Referral Pathways in Children Using the Index for Interceptive Orthodontic Referral.” The session highlighted the importance of early identification and management of developing malocclusions in children, emphasising evidence-based interceptive orthodontic treatment and appropriate referral strategies to optimise patient outcomes.
The lecture provided participants with valuable insights into growth modification, clinical decision-making, and the use of standardised referral indices in pediatric orthodontic care. Through real clinical examples and interactive discussions, students and residents gained a deeper understanding of how timely intervention can influence craniofacial development and improve long-term oral health.
The event reflects the FKG UNHAS’ commitment to internationalisation and academic excellence by fostering collaborations with leading institutions abroad. By engaging with distinguished scholars at international universities, students and residents gain exposure to global perspectives and contemporary developments in dental education and clinical practice.
The discussion session that followed demonstrated the participants’ strong interest in interceptive orthodontics, with numerous questions regarding diagnosis, treatment timing, and interdisciplinary management of pediatric patients. The active exchange of ideas contributed to a stimulating learning environment and strengthened academic ties between UNHAS and Universiti Teknologi MARA.
