There are still many children in Indonesia born with cleft lips and palates. Out of every thousand births, one baby experiences this condition. This remains a primary focus for alum dentists of FKG UGM during the Comprehensive Community Service from 20-22 July 2023 in Samarinda, East Kalimantan
This initiative received significant support from the Smile Hope Nusantara Foundation, coordinated by FKG UGM and KAKGIGAMA (Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada Faculty of Dentistry Alumni), ensuring the event's success. Alums from various fields and regions collaborated with Baznas East Kalimantan Province, PDGI East Kalimantan, and RSUD IA Moeis, the healthcare facility where these services were provided. In this event, 40 children from various regions across East Kalimantan with cleft lips and palates received surgical operations followed by orthodontic and pediatric dental care.
The concept of comprehensive and integrated care is expected to serve as a model that can be applied across Indonesia, mainly to prevent stunting and nurture a productive and confident generation of Indonesians.
Dean of FKG UGM, drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D., emphasized that under the Academic Health System (AHS) concept, UGM is responsible for enhancing public health in the Kalimantan region. Therefore, deploying expert faculty members facilitates technology transfer and knowledge dissemination to local healthcare professionals.
Cleft lip and palate are not merely clinical issues that are resolved in hospitals. Education and guidance for parents, prospective parents, and the community are crucial to ensure optimal growth for children in a conducive environment.
"Next year, we hope that UGM can send a Community Service Program (KKN) team to implement Continuous Information and Education Communication (IEC) as part of the prevention program for cleft lip and palate," said Suryono. This effort integrates health sciences, psychology, sociology, and economics to enhance community quality of life.
Therefore, comprehensive support and contributions from all stakeholders are essential to build an effective healthcare system aimed at improving the quality of life, particularly for communities in Kalimantan.
Chairman of KAKGIGAMA, drg. Endro Sucahyono, M.Kes., added that with full support from KAKGIGAMA, they are prepared to assist in ensuring the smooth implementation of this integrated and comprehensive program, extending beyond East Kalimantan to other regions.
