UMS Faculty of Dentistry International Guest Lecture Highlights TMJ Disorder Management

The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) held an international guest lecture at Soelastri Dental and Oral Hospital on Saturday (9/5/2026). The event forms part of the institution's commitment to strengthening international collaboration and expanding its academic network with leading universities around the world.

During the guest lecture, Prof. Dr. Firdaus Hariri from Universiti Malaya presented material on Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ Disorder), which falls within the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Hariri, as he is commonly known, explained that TMJ cases are frequently encountered by dentists in daily practice. He emphasized that dentists hold the primary role in managing temporomandibular joint disorders.

International guest lecturer from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Firdaus Hariri, demonstrating material at RSGM Soelastri, May 9, 2026. UMS Public Relations/Azhar Muzaqi 

"There is no other profession in healthcare that is better positioned than dentistry to handle the temporomandibular joint. So you must find ways to understand it and learn how to manage its disorders," he urged.

He noted that TMJ cases generally occur in the 20 to 40 age range. Globally, around 5 to 12 percent of the population experiences TMJ disorders.

Beyond the TMJ presentation, students also received hands-on training in how to perform a Barton sling bandage. Students were visibly enthusiastic throughout the practical session, receiving direct guidance and feedback from Hariri.

Meanwhile, Dean of the UMS Faculty of Dentistry Dr. drg. Noor Hafida Widyastuti, Sp.KG. noted that TMJ disorder is a condition frequently encountered in dental practice and widely found in the community. Symptoms commonly reported by patients include joint pain, jaw pain, clicking sounds in the joint, and discomfort when chewing.

"Understanding TMJ disorders is therefore increasingly important for dental professionals, both in diagnosis and in comprehensive patient management," she said.

She explained that the guest lecture was organized to broaden and deepen the scientific knowledge and clinical understanding of both undergraduate and professional dental students.

"Through this activity, we hope our students will gain the latest knowledge on the etiology, diagnosis, risk factors, treatment approaches, and multidisciplinary management of TMJ disorders," she said.

She added that the topic is highly relevant for future dentists, as the profession demands not only clinical procedural skills but also a thorough understanding of patient complaints and the ability to deliver evidence-based treatment.

Through this academic activity, the UMS Faculty of Dentistry hopes to strengthen students' clinical thinking skills, encourage scientific discussion, and motivate them to continue developing their competencies in line with advances in modern dentistry.

Writer: Maysali Sudarwati

Editor: Fika Annisa’ Sholihah

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid