As part of the 2024 National Dental Health Month, the School Health Program (SHP) was held at Budi Utama Elementary School on 15-16 October 2024. This program aimed to enhance students' awareness of the importance of oral hygiene and provide affordable dental care management.
A team from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (IKGA FKG UGM), led by Drg. Ignatius Sulistyo Jatmiko, M.Kes., Sp.KGA, Drg. Andi Muhammad Fuad Ansar, and Drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan, spearheaded the program. They collaborated with dental health cadres to provide training and health education to elementary school students.
Over two days, students received education on dental care practices, including proper brushing techniques, the importance of regular dental check-ups, and the benefits of maintaining oral health from an early age. The sessions were conducted interactively through demonstrations and engaging activities to make the learning process fun and memorable for children.
In addition to education, students also received free dental check-ups as part of an initiative to improve access to healthcare services. “This program is not only about educating students but also empowering them to take care of their oral health from an early age,” said Drg. Ignatius Sulistyo Jatmiko, M.Kes., Sp.KGA.
The School Health Program also served as a capacity-building platform for dental health cadres. Under professional supervision, they learned effective communication strategies and innovative teaching methods. “Through this program, we hope to develop competent cadres who can continue health education efforts in the community,” added Drg. Andi Muhammad Fuad Ansar.
This initiative not only benefits students' health but also promotes collaboration between universities and schools in enhancing public health education. Through this program, FKG UGM actively supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana
