Yogyakarta, 19 November 2024 The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) is conducting a national-scale research project led by Prof. Drg. Heni Susilowati, M.Kes., Ph.D., at SD Bopkri Sidomulyo I. This initiative is part of the 2024 Kemendikbud Ristek Catalyst Research Grant, a collaborative project involving UGM, Universitas Indonesia, Universitas Airlangga, Universitas Hasanuddin, and Universitas Jenderal Soedirman. The research focuses on “Analyzing the Potential of Indonesian Beetroot as a Nitrate Source to Enhance Oral Microbiota Resilience in Children.” The primary goal is to develop a beetroot-based caries prevention preparation by utilizing its probiotic properties.
The research began with screening and community outreach activities at SD Bopkri Sidomulyo I on 30 September 2024. The activity involved students from the Bachelor of Dental Education, Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, and Master’s Program in Dental Sciences. Based on the screening results, 45 elementary school students were selected as subjects for the study. Dental plaque and saliva samples were collected to identify the presence of nitrate-reducing bacteria. The participation of students in this activity provided hands-on experience in oral health screening and sample collection following research protocols.
Student involvement in sample collection is crucial to ensuring that the research remains relevant and innovative. This hands-on experience equips students with practical skills for collecting saliva and plaque samples from human subjects. The study is expected to provide new insights into the relationship between oral microbiota, oral hygiene levels, and dental caries indices in children.
The research activities are conducted by lecturers from the Department of Oral Biology, with home bases in the Bachelor of Dental Education, Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs in Dental Sciences. Supporting the research, students from the Bachelor of Professional Dentistry, Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, and Master’s Program in Dental Sciences actively participated in the study. The involvement of experts not only strengthens the research team but also offers students the opportunity to learn directly in the field.
“This research is not only significant for scientific understanding and advancement but also has direct applications in dental medicine, integrating screening, education, and community engagement for children’s oral health,” explained Prof. Drg. Heni Susilowati, M.Kes., Ph.D. She emphasized that this collaborative research effort bridges academic research with community needs, particularly in promotive and preventive dental health services. “By identifying nitrate-reducing bacteria, we hope to discover key factors that contribute to optimal oral health,” she added.
Prof. Dr. Drg. Juni Handajani, M.Kes., Ph.D., a lecturer in the Department of Oral Biology and Head of the Master’s Program in Dental Sciences at FKG UGM, stated that this research supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, the study aims to improve oral health, which is an essential part of overall health. Proper sample collection and accurate analysis will contribute to better prevention and treatment methods.
Second, this research also contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education, by involving students, the research provides valuable learning experiences and enhances their practical skills, promoting high-quality education through deep and applicable learning opportunities. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, the study's results will be further analyzed at the FKG UGM Integrated Research Laboratory and serve as a basis for scientific publications that contribute to future healthcare policies.
Authors: Budi Rodestawati, S.Kp.G, M.P.H, Al Haqi Insan Pratama
