[Unpad Media Channel] A team of undergraduate students from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Ariel Hartadi Laurus, Rifqi Bilaldi, and Indah Nurul Aini, win the 2nd Runner-Up award in the Research Competition in Basic Science category at the FDCU International Symposium 2025. The symposium is held by the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 23rd, 2025.
In the competition, the Unpad team presents a research project that modified titanium dental implants using eggshells. The research is inspired by the high cost and lengthy process of dental implant procedures, which require minimizing even the slightest risk of failure. According to team representative Ariel, early-phase implant failure is often caused by issues such as osseointegration failure and peri-implantitis. Eggshells contain calcium and magnesium, which can enhance the biomineralization and bioactivity of titanium surfaces, thereby increasing the success of osseointegration.
“Interestingly, eggshells also contain zinc, which is effective in inhibiting the growth of P. gingivalis, the bacteria responsible for peri-implantitis,” explained Ariel.
The aim of this research is to develop dental implants that are both environmentally friendly and demonstrate improved clinical success rates. The project is conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Nina Djustiana, drg., M.Kes., and Debby Fajar Mardhian, S.Si., M.T., Ph.D.
“We faced very few difficulties thanks to the guidance and support from Prof. Nina and Mr. Debby. For data analysis and statistics, we also received a lot of help from the late Drg. Yanwar. This achievement is also a tribute and expression of gratitude to him,” added Ariel.
The Unpad team competes against 90 participants from countries including Indonesia, the United Kingdom, China, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand. From these, 24 are selected for the presentation and poster competition, which were divided into four categories. The Unpad team advances to the Basic Science category.
Ariel expressed his hope that the research could be continued to the next development phase and eventually be published in an international journal. “Thanks be to God, I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent FKG Unpad in an international competition. I am also thankful for the prayers, guidance, and support from all of our supervising lecturers,” said Ariel. (Release by the Faculty of Dentistry Unpad)
