For many children, visiting the dentist might seem like a routine or even enjoyable experience. However, for children with special needs, it can be a significant challenge, from anxiety to difficulties in communicating with medical professionals.
As part of the Free Dental Treatment (FDT) program, ten students from Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) Negeri 2 Yogyakarta received free dental care during the National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2024. The program provided various treatments, including tooth extractions, fillings, tartar cleaning, and dental health consultations, tailored to each child's needs.
Beyond treatment, dental hygiene education was also a key component of the initiative. Educational materials were adapted to the needs of each child, ensuring they could better understand how to maintain good oral health.
Ms. Siwi, a teacher at SLB 2 Yogyakarta, emphasized how beneficial this initiative was for children with special needs in learning the importance of oral hygiene. She noted that the program had a positive impact on the students. "They not only received dental care but also gained more confidence after learning how to maintain their oral hygiene," said Siwi (18/12).
drg. Silviana Farrah Diba, Sp.RKG(K), Chair of BKGN UGM 2024, explained that children with special needs are at a higher risk of dental health issues. "This is due to various factors, such as physical limitations or a lack of understanding about proper oral care," said Farrah.
She added that motor or cognitive challenges often prevent special needs children from brushing their teeth properly, leading to plaque buildup and tartar formation. Since their ability to independently manage oral care is often limited, they require extra support from parents and caregivers.
Farrah also highlighted the lack of education provided to families or caregivers of children with special needs. "Education on the importance of oral hygiene and the correct ways to maintain it is often inadequate, posing a major challenge in preventing dental health problems among these children," she noted.
Through this initiative, FKG UGM reaffirms its commitment to improving public health, especially for vulnerable groups who require special attention. With an inclusive approach, the program aims to provide solutions to the challenges faced by children with special needs in accessing proper dental care.
Author: Diva Luthfiana | Editor: Fajar Budi H.
Foto: Tim Dokumentasi BKGN UGM 2024
