The Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Syiah Kuala (FKG USK) has officially received an Excellent Accreditation rating from the Independent Accreditation Institute for Higher Education in Health (LAM-PTKes). This achievement places both the Dental Education Study Program and the Dental Profession Study Program at FKG USK among dental education institutions recognized for their high quality, while also marking an important milestone for dental education in the westernmost region of Indonesia.
The Excellent Accreditation rating was granted following a comprehensive evaluation process, including document assessment and a field assessment covering various aspects such as governance, curriculum, human resource quality, facilities and infrastructure, research, community service, and graduate outcomes. This achievement reflects the consistent efforts to improve quality that have been collectively carried out by the entire academic community of FKG USK over the past several years.
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs: “A New Standard for the University”
Vice Rector I of Universitas Syiah Kuala, Prof. Dr. Heru Fahlevi, S.E., M.Sc., Ak., CA., described FKG USK’s achievement of Excellent Accreditation as evidence that disciplined and consistent academic governance can lead to meaningful recognition of educational quality.
“This Excellent Accreditation is the result of an academic system that has been implemented consistently and measurably. The university appreciates FKG USK for demonstrating that quality can be built through solid teamwork. We hope this achievement will become a new standard that inspires other study programs across Universitas Syiah Kuala,” he said.
Dean of FKG USK: “This Is a Responsibility, Not the Finish Line”
Dean of FKG USK, Dr. drg. Zulfan Alibasyah, Sp.Perio., expressed his gratitude while emphasizing that the Excellent Accreditation rating should be regarded as a responsibility and commitment to continuously improve quality, rather than as an endpoint.
“Alhamdulillah, the hard work of the entire academic community has paid off today. However, we realize that an Excellent rating comes with the responsibility to maintain and exceed the standards that have been established. We want FKG USK graduates to be not only clinically competent, but also capable of innovating and developing their entrepreneurial skills,” he stated.
Alumni: “Our Alma Mater Has Moved to a Higher Level”
Representing the alumni community, drg. Muhammad Rais, M.Si., expressed his pride in the achievement of his alma mater. According to him, the Excellent Accreditation rating demonstrates the continuous development of educational quality at FKG USK.
“As alumni, we have experienced firsthand how education at FKG USK has shaped our character and professional skills in the field. Hearing that our alma mater has now achieved Excellent Accreditation, we will always be ready to support younger generations through professional networks, practical opportunities, and mentoring,” he said.
Head of the Accreditation Team: Quality Must Be Demonstrated in Practice
Head of the FKG USK Accreditation Team, drg. Hijria Mardhilla Pidada, M.Si., explained that one of the key strengths in the assessment process was the alignment between the data presented and the actual conditions observed in the field.
“Throughout the preparation of the accreditation documents and the field assessment, we ensured that every claim was supported by verifiable evidence. The assessors saw that the internal quality assurance system was genuinely implemented and functioning, rather than merely existing on paper. That was what made the difference,” she explained.
Plans to Maintain and Improve Quality
Rather than becoming complacent, FKG USK has prepared several strategic measures to maintain its Excellent Accreditation status while using it as a foundation for pursuing international recognition. The key directions include:
- Synchronization and synergy of the dean’s vision and mission. This will be implemented through an integrated strategic plan to ensure that the quality and management of education remain well-directed, measurable, and evidence-based.
- Improving the quality and reputation of the Dental Hospital (RSGM). RSGM USK will be encouraged to continuously improve the quality of its services, educational functions, and hospital management in a more professional manner.
- Strengthening human resources and partnerships. FKG USK will enhance the performance of its human resources and restructure the involvement of various stakeholders in mentoring, graduate tracking through tracer studies, and partnerships with industry and other stakeholders. These efforts are expected to provide valuable feedback for curriculum development while improving the quality and number of graduates.
With these foundations in place, FKG USK aims not only to remain an excellent faculty at the national level, but also to become a reference institution for dental education that creates meaningful impact at the international level.
