On Monday, 9 September, a group of undergraduate dental students participated in the Surface Protection practical session held at the Phantom Harkati Dewanto Lab and DLC on the second floor. The practical session was guided by drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH, Ph.D., and drg. Agatha Ravi Vidiasratri, MPH, from the Department of Preventive Dentistry and Community Dental Health.
Before the session began, students were required to adhere to laboratory protocols, including wearing lab coats, masks, and head caps. These rules were implemented to ensure safety and order, allowing for an optimal learning process.
The practical session involved the use of various tools and materials to provide hands-on experience for the students. Some of the tools used includeddiagnostic sets, low-speed contra-angles, rotary brushes, microbrushes, agate spatulas, plastic instruments, and caries-free posterior teeth embedded in a 3 cm x 3 cm x 3 cm half-crown gypsum model.
Additionally, students utilized materials such as glass ionomer cement (GC Fuji VII), pumice paste, dentin conditioner, cocoa butter, cotton pellets or cotton rolls, and paper points. The practical process consisted of several stages, including:
- Indication of caries-free posterior teeth (preferably molars)
- Embedding the tooth in a 3 cm x 3 cm x 3 cm gipstone with the half-crown embedded
- Prophylaxis with pumice paste
- Rinsing off the pumice paste
- Drying the working area while maintaining moisture
- Manipulation of glass ionomer cement
- Application of GIC to all tooth surfaces using plastic instruments or microbrushes
- Cleaning excess GIC after setting (+/- 4 minutes)
- Application of cocoa butter/Vaseline
The primary objective of the practical session was to reinforce students' understanding of the importance of surface protection in caries prevention. This session aimed to help students apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical context, enhancing their skills in dentistry.
Under the guidance of faculty, students received direct instruction on the practical procedures and technical steps to be followed. This emphasizes the importance of mentorship in shaping future dental professionals who are prepared to face public health challenges.
Furthermore, this practical session serves as a reminder of the crucial role education plays in equipping future dentists with the skills and knowledge needed to enhance tooth resilience against caries. Thus, this activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
Authors: Sri Pujiatun, Al Haqi Insan Pratama
