Universitas Indonesia (UI), through the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG), officially awarded the title of Adjunct Professor to Prof. Syngcuk Kim, D.D.S., Ph.D., an endodontic expert from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), United States. This title is a form of recognition for Prof. Kim’s great contribution to the field of endodontics and also marks the beginning of his service as a Professor in the Department of Dental Conservation Science, FKG UI, for the next five years.
During his service at UI, Prof. Kim will teach the course “Pulp Biology and Advanced Micro-endosurgery” which is intended for students of the Specialist Dentistry Education Program (PPDGS) in the Sp-1 Dental Conservation Study Program. The signing of the Letter of Agreement between UI and UPenn which was carried out on Friday (27/9) at the Salemba UI Campus, Jakarta, also strengthened the academic relationship between the two leading universities.
Prof. Kim is a pioneer in the use of microscopes for endodontics, and his experience for more than three decades has strengthened his reputation as a leading expert in the world. He founded the Microscope Training Center at UPenn which has trained more than 1,000 educators and practitioners from around the world. His academic career has produced more than 70 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and he has contributed as a Guest Editor to the North American Dental Clinics series and is one of the lead authors of the book “Endodontology, a Color Atlas of Dental Medicine.”
Dr. drg. Nia Ayu Ismaniati, Dean of FKG UI, welcomed the presence of Prof. Kim in the ranks of FKG UI lecturers. “The joining of Prof. Kim as an Adjunct Professor emphasizes FKG UI’s commitment to building a broad academic network and collaboration in the international arena as well as support for UI as a World Class University. His expertise is also expected to be able to provide a positive contribution in improving the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education through direct involvement as co-teaching, co-researching, and co-publishing with international standard education services.”
This collaboration is increasingly relevant considering that UPenn is a university ranked 11th in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and part of the IVY League. Dr. drg. Nia added that this collaboration will have a significant impact on improving UI’s reputation in the world of international education. “Collaboration with UPenn, a world-class university, is expected to improve the quality of education at UI through the development of research and scientific publications that are recognized internationally,” she said.
The signing ceremony was also attended by the Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs of FKG UI, Dr. drg. Ria Puspitawati, PBO; Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration, drg. Kartini Sally, MM; Head of the Department of Dental Conservation Science, Prof. Dr. drg. Anggraini Margono, SpKG, Subsp. KE (K); and a number of lecturers and leaders in the FKG UI environment.
Collaboration with Prof. Kim is a strategic step for UI to increase competitiveness and international recognition, especially in the field of dentistry, and enrich students’ insight into the latest developments in endodontics.
