Okayama University Dental School Hosts ODAPUS 2026 Short-Term Exchange Program

Okayama University Dental School organized the Okayama University Dental School Short-Term Study-Abroad (Exchange) Program for Undergraduate Students (ODAPUS 2026), held from 21 January to 6 February 2026 at the Dental School, Okayama University, Japan. The program was conducted offline and coordinated by the Dental School of Okayama University as part of its commitment to strengthening international collaboration in dental education.

The program involved preclinical undergraduate dental students from several countries, including 10 students from Vietnam, 4 from Indonesia, and 6 from Brazil. The Indonesian delegation from the Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (FKG UNHAS) consisted of Mohammad Fauzan Siddiq, Andi Regina Putri, Anna Maria Ancilla Ningrum Elu, and Kristio Goysal (Class of 2023). ODAPUS 2026 aimed to develop globally competent dental students by providing international academic exposure and fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Throughout the program, participants took part in English lecture series, clinical sessions, and laboratory visits, offering insights into Japan’s dental education system and clinical practice. Academic engagement was strengthened through interactions with Prof. Satoshi Kubota, DDS, PhD, Dean of Okayama University Dental School, and Yukinori Maruo, DDS, PhD, who served as the Indonesian delegation coordinator for ODAPUS 2026.

Cultural exchange and international networking were highlighted through a welcoming party held on 26th January 2026, attended by the dean, faculty members, Japanese students, and international participants. In addition, a one-day trip on 1st of February 2026, joined by lecturers and international students, provided further opportunities for informal interaction and cultural immersion.

Through ODAPUS 2026, participants expanded their academic networks, enhanced their understanding of global dental education, and gained meaningful international exposure. The program reflects Okayama University Dental School’s ongoing efforts to promote internationalization and collaborative learning in dentistry.