2026 International Dental Summer Course (IDSC)
Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Dentistry
July 7 -17, 2026
From July 7 to 17, 2026, Stephanie Red L. Contreras and Ana Margarita M. Ignacio, dental clinicians from the University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry, proudly represented the UP College of Dentistry (UPCD) at the 2026 International Dental Summer Course (IDSC) held at the Universitas Gadjah Mada Faculty of Dentistry in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
With the theme “Sustainable Dentistry: Integrating Prevention, Innovation, and Environmental Responsibility,” the program brought together approximately 64 dentistry students from universities across Indonesia and the world, with Stephanie and Ana representing UPCD as the participating delegates from the Philippines.
The hybrid summer course explored key topics including minimal intervention dentistry, preventive strategies and oral health promotion, sustainable dental materials, dental waste management, and the role of digital dentistry in improving efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The online pre-event, held from July 7 to 10, featured insightful lectures from esteemed speakers representing the University of Pennsylvania, Mahidol University, Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, Universitas Indonesia, the World Health Organization, and Universitas Gadjah Mada. Our very own Dean Michelle Sunico Segarra from the University of the Philippines, was also among the distinguished lecturers, who promoted sustainable and resilient green dental practice. Each of the lectures were followed by assignments, quizzes, and collaborative group works, engaging and building a bond among participants despite being miles apart.
The on-site component, held from July 13 to 17, featured lectures facilitated by professors from Chulalongkorn University and Universitas Gadjah Mada, and hands-on workshops on digital dentistry and CBCT radiography. The delegates also had a University Tour, featuring the Faculty of Dentistry, University Library, University Wisdom Park, Religious Area, and RSGM-UGM Laboratories and Dental Hospital. Toyagama, UGM’s centralized drinking water system, indeed showcased true sustainable lifestyle.
The participants participated in a field visit to an elementary school in Yogyakarta, where they taught children about oral health and encouraged the application of sustainable practices in their daily lives. The delegates also used this opportunity to learn some phrases about the language native to Yogyakarta, Javanese, to communicate with the children. A mini project presentation was held to culminate the two-week preparation of each group.
To cap off the main event, the Cultural Night took place, where representatives from each participating university showcased their culture through much anticipated performances. The UPCD delegates brought home certain awards, including the Best Video Assignment award and Best in Costume.
Beyond the academic activities, the delegates had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Indonesian culture through visits to Keraton Yogyakarta, Sisa Hartaku Museum, and Batu Alien, as well as the Merapi Lava Tour, which offered a thrilling experience and a closer look at the natural and cultural heritage of Yogyakarta.
The delegates extend their sincere gratitude to the UGM-FKG organizing committee and everyone who contributed to IDSC 2026 for their warm hospitality and for providing an enriching academic and cultural experience, and to the University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry, especially to Dean Michelle Segarra, for the opportunity to participate in this unforgettable summer course. This experience left the student delegates with a heartfelt and lasting sense of appreciation and gratitude for all the lessons learned, friendships built, and memories created.
- Stephanie Red Contreras and Ana Margarita Ignacio
#SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG17 #FP4Education for the University #UPManila #HigherEducation
#UPManilafortheSDGs
# University of the Philippines Manila
 Universitas Gadjah Mada, Faculty of Dentistry){kind=link}