Unhas and Hokkaido University Collaborate to Tackle Periodontal Disease

The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Hasanuddin University (Unhas) Makassar is collaborating with Hokkaido University, Japan, to develop research for the treatment of periodontal disease, which affects the supporting tissues of the teeth and gums.

In a statement from Makassar, South Sulawesi, the Dean of FKG Unhas, Erni Marlastic, PhD, noted that this collaboration serves as a platform for knowledge exchange between academics and practitioners, particularly in keeping pace with research developments and their application in oral and dental healthcare services.

Professor Naoki Takahashi, DDS, from the Department of Periodontology at Hokkaido University’s Graduate School of Dental Medicine, stated that understanding the fundamentals of periodontology is essential for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of periodontal disease. He explained that advancements in research and technology are expanding the scope of periodontics, moving beyond mere gum disease treatment to include preventive, regenerative, and rehabilitative approaches.

The symposium also highlighted the link between periodontal health and systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This connection demonstrates that oral health must be viewed as an inseparable part of general health. Consequently, increasing the capacity of dentists in the field of periodontology is vital to supporting comprehensive, patient-oriented healthcare services.

Periodontology is a branch of dentistry that studies the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva (gums), periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone.