March 9-19, 2026
SHORT STAY STUDENT EXCHANGE
Niigata University Faculty of Dentistry
UPCD BROADENS HORIZONS WITH SHORT-STAY
STUDENT EXCHANGE IN NIIGATA UNIVERSITY
by Ms. Bianca Crystelle M. Forca
Niigata, Japan – March 9 to 19, 2026. UPCD commenced its second year of participation in Niigata University’s short-stay student exchange program that was held last March 9-19, 2026, following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry (UPCD) and Niigata University Faculty of Dentistry the previous year. Niigata University is known for its prestigious role in serving as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science—the only WHOCC in Japan. Aside from that, as part of their commitment to fostering students equipped with international perspectives who can play an active role in the global development of dentistry, their student exchange initiative serves as a platform for cross-cultural learning and international collaboration, allowing exchange students the opportunity to broaden their horizons and opening them to possibilities of furthering their studies in the university’s state of the art research facilities.
The program warmly welcomed a total of 17 international students from 10 different universities across 7 countries in Asia, North America, and South America. Among them, the Philippines was represented by UPCD fourth-year student Bianca Crystelle M. Forca, as well as 2 other delegates from Manila Central University.
The students’ stay was coordinated under the guidance of Dr. Yoko Ishida-Okumura, while Niigata University’s professors and PhD students alike instructed the participants through a series of lectures, laboratory practice, and site visits showcasing the expansive facilities of Niigata University Faculty of Dentistry as well as its Medical and Dental Hospital.
Lectures were presented on a unique array of topics spanning different dental disciplines, as well as discussions on research projects being conducted at the school. Among these topics include the role of artificial intelligence in oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontology, dysphagia rehabilitation and its significance in Japan as a superaged society, anatomy and cell biology of the hard tissue, tissue engineering and reconstruction, oral pathology, oral anatomy and developmental biology, dental pharmacology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, bioprosthodontics, oral physiology and craniofacial pain, and oral biochemistry in nutrition research. It was evident how Japanese culture and context were carefully integrated into their works—how innovation is born from the desire to further our understanding of oral health, and how great importance is placed on developing this progress to improve the quality of life of its residents. Emphasis was placed not only on scientific discovery but also touched on global impacts of oral health policy. Beyond that, the Japanese dental education system and invaluable role of dental hygienists in the clinic were also expounded upon.
As mentioned, learning was not confined to theoretical concepts alone. Delegates got to visit showrooms, student clinics and laboratories, postgraduate research facilities, and operation rooms through guided tours, and were even allowed to observe certain procedures in the pediatric section and OR. Their system was one which valued efficacy, with ample resources made available to every clinician and carefully mapped out for proper management. Communication was also handled effectively, ensuring smooth procedures while maintaining patient comfort.
Furthermore, students were given opportunities to apply their knowledge and exercise their skills through advanced technologies such as the cryostat, Simodont Dental Trainer, ultrasonography, and CAD/CAM. Demonstrations were also conducted on Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS), as well as exercises on the screening protocol for oral hypofunction under the Division of Dysphagia Rehabilitation which is headed by Niigata University’s very own Dean Makoto Inoue. These tools designed to aid in clinical training, patient screening, and data analysis exhibited the university’s enhanced capabilities to support its pupils’ academic endeavors and contribute to the global cause of oral health development.
Excursions were also organized by NEXUS for students who wished to join to further enrich the stay past academic borders, allowing the delegates to bask in Niigata City’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
The closing ceremony was held on March 18, 2026, headed by Vice Dean and Director for International Affairs Hiroshi Ogawa, who commemorated the program by presenting certificates of participation to each delegate. The program was officially concluded the following day through a small gathering of all 17 students with Dr. Ishida and NEXUS representatives, wherein each participant shared their reflections on the experience and Dr. Ishida gave a short orientation on the application process for postgraduate studies in Japan.
Truly, this initiative provided invaluable exposure to global approaches on dental education and provided the students with the unique opportunity to advance their knowledge and training, engage in meaningful cultural immersion, and forge lasting bonds that will remain as treasured memories to carry forward throughout their dental journey.
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