UNAIR NEWS – Students of the Faculty of Dental Medicine Universitas Airlangga (FKG UNAIR) once again achieve an international achievement. A team consisting of Rafael Gerrard, Evelyn Nathania Prasetyo, and Shifa Maharani won first place in the International Scientific Poster Competition category at The 8th Hasanuddin Dentistry Scientific Competition (HDSC) 2025.
As the team leader, Gerrard coordinated discussions and the development of the project. Prasetyo was responsible for designing the poster to ensure it appeared communicative and visually engaging, while Maharani focused on reviewing the scientific content and refining the design. “We tried to build strong teamwork by complementing each other’s roles,” the team leader said.
Highlighting link between periodontitis and preeclampsia
The team chose the International Scientific Poster Competition category because the poster format was considered effective in presenting complex scientific issues in a concise and visual manner to an international audience. The poster discussed the relationship between periodontal disease and preeclampsia, a topic that is still relatively rarely explored in dentistry.
Periodontal disease is often perceived by the public as a local problem in the oral cavity, even though periodontal inflammation can have systemic impacts. The team highlighted that chronic periodontitis may trigger systemic inflammation that affects the health of pregnant women. “We want to emphasize that periodontal health plays an important role in maintaining systemic health during pregnancy,” Gerrard explained.
The study presented in the poster showed that chronic periodontitis increases the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), while reducing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This imbalance contributes to systemic inflammation and early symptoms of preeclampsia.
Long process, challenges, and meaning of victory
The scientific poster was the result of a research project conducted in collaboration with their supervising lecturer long before the competition took place. The research data were then compiled into a poster format while considering reading flow, language clarity, and visual strength. After passing the presentation stage, the team prepared their presentation to ensure the material remained scientific yet easy to understand.
The main challenge the team faced was the limited time for discussion because one member was participating in a student exchange program in a different time zone. Nevertheless, the team maintained coordination and commitment. Guidance from Dr Pratiwi Soesilawati drg MKes also played a significant role in strengthening the concept, poster design, and presentation practice. This achievement became a motivation for the team to remain active in scientific activities. “The courage to try is the most important first step,” the team leader said.
Author: Dara Devinta Faradhilla
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
