Residents from the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), conducted a screening and education session on rampant caries at TK ABA Notoyudan, Yogyakarta, on 9 October 2024. This activity aimed to detect early dental problems, especially rapidly developing caries in children.
Rampant caries is a severe and rapidly spreading dental condition often found in children due to unhealthy dietary habits and poor oral hygiene. Without proper treatment, rampant caries can cause pain, infections, and even disturbances in the development of children's permanent teeth.
During the event, pediatric dentistry residents performed comprehensive dental examinations on children to identify early signs of caries and provide appropriate treatment recommendations. Additionally, educational sessions were held for parents and teachers on maintaining children's oral hygiene, the importance of regular tooth brushing, and choosing foods that support dental health.
"We hope that through this screening and education session, parents will become more aware of the importance of early childhood dental health. Early detection and preventive care are crucial in avoiding more severe dental issues in the future," said Drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan, a representative from the Pediatric Dentistry Department at FKG UGM.
The event was well received by parents, who appreciated the valuable information provided. The collaboration between FKG UGM and TK ABA Notoyudan also highlights the importance of partnerships between the education and health sectors in supporting children's well-being.
Through this initiative, FKG UGM contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This activity aims to raise awareness among children and their families about the importance of early dental care, reducing the prevalence of rampant caries among children.
Contributor: drg Arif Rahmawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana L
