UNAIR NEWS Students from the Faculty of Dentistry at (FKG UNAIR) have achieved another international accomplishment. The team, composed of Felice Kanaya Chandra, Akmal Umara Adli, and Bayu Cahyo Bintoro, secured first place in the International Literature Review category at the 8th Hasanuddin Dentistry Scientific Competition (HDSC) 2025, a global competition emphasizing evidence-based dentistry.
In preparing their submission, the team divided tasks strategically. Chandra and Bintoro managed literature screening, data extraction, and bias assessment, while Adli handled research design, meta-analysis using RevMan, and drafting of results and discussion. 淲e collaborated closely throughout the process, engaging in intensive discussions at every stage, the team explained.
Advancing evidence-based periodontal therapy
The team selected the International Literature Review category because it bridges fundamental research with clinical application and demands high methodological precision. They considered this category strategic for promoting evidence-based dentistry practices.
Their study focused on periodontal therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Periodontal disease is known to have a bidirectional relationship with systemic health, and the effectiveness of adjunct non-antibiotic treatments remains uncertain. The team investigated ICG-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as a potential adjunct to enhance conventional periodontal treatment outcomes.
Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, the team assessed the effectiveness of combining adjunctive ICG-mediated aPDT with scaling and root planing (SRP) on Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). 淥ur findings demonstrate significant clinical improvement compared to SRP alone, particularly at the six-month follow-up, they reported.
Research process, challenges, and significance of the achievement
The research adhered to PRISMA 2020 guidelines, starting with systematic literature searches and continuing with quantitative analysis using RevMan 5.4.1. The team檚 main challenge was the high heterogeneity across studies, including variations in protocols, laser parameters, and patient characteristics.
They addressed these challenges through subgroup analyses, critical interpretation, and intensive discussions with their supervisor, Prof. Ernie Maduratna Setiawatie drg MKes Sp Perio (K), to ensure scientific rigor and clinical relevance. This achievement represents an important milestone for the team. 淲inning this award motivates us to further develop our work for potential publication in reputable international journals, they concluded.
Author: Dara Devinta Faradhilla
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
