Bantul, 19 December 2025 — Hari’s smile is now more genuine. The pain that once made him reluctant to eat has gradually disappeared after undergoing a dental examination at the Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities (Balai Rehabilitasi Terpadu Penyandang Disabilitas/BRTPD) of the Special Region of Yogyakarta several months ago. “It used to hurt a lot. Now it’s clean, it doesn’t hurt anymore, and it feels comfortable,” he said confidently.
Hari is one of hundreds of Social Welfare Service Beneficiaries (Pemerlu Pelayanan Kesejahteraan Sosial/PPKS) at BRTPD Yogyakarta who have directly benefited from the dental and oral health examination and treatment activities conducted by the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM). This activity forms part of FKG UGM’s Summer Course program as well as its routine community service initiatives.
For many people, visiting a dentist may be a routine matter. However, for persons with disabilities—particularly those with intellectual disabilities—encounters with dental care are often accompanied by fear, anxiety, or even trauma. For this reason, the presence of the FKG UGM team at BRTPD Yogyakarta represented more than merely a medical service.
An Examination That Changed Perceptions
The services provided included dental scaling, fillings for carious teeth, medication administration, and simple education on proper tooth-brushing techniques. The procedures were carried out using a communicative and patient-centered approach, tailored to the individual needs of each PPKS.
Lulu, another PPKS beneficiary, initially experienced discomfort after a filling procedure. However, following an adjustment, the complaint resolved. “It doesn’t feel uncomfortable anymore. It’s comfortable now,” she said with a smile. This experience helped her overcome her fear of future dental visits.
A similar story was shared by Mrs. Sri, who had previously suffered from swelling due to tooth pain. After receiving treatment and dental scaling, she reported significant improvement. “It feels much better now, more comfortable,” she said.
These simple impressions reflect a profound transformation—from fear and discomfort to trust in dental healthcare services.
Beyond Dental Health
The Head of BRTPD Yogyakarta, Lilis Sulistiyowati, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that the program had a significant impact not only on oral health, but also on behavior and overall oral health-related quality of life among PPKS.
“After the dental examinations conducted by FKG UGM, we observed real changes. Our PPKS friends have become more diligent in brushing their teeth, they are no longer afraid of meeting dentists, and most noticeably, their appetite has improved,” Lilis explained.
According to her, oral and dental health is closely linked to nutritional intake and daily activities. When pain is reduced, PPKS are more willing to eat, resulting in better nutritional fulfillment. This supports the primary goal of social rehabilitation, namely improving independence in daily living activities (activities of daily living / ADL). activity daily living (ADL).
Currently, BRTPD Yogyakarta serves 115 PPKS with various types of disabilities, including physical disabilities, sensory disabilities (visual and speech), and intellectual disabilities. Approximately 75 percent of them are individuals with intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe levels. This group particularly requires repeated and sustained health education.
Medical and Social Collaboration
For FKG UGM, this initiative serves not only as a service activity, but also as a learning process for students and healthcare professionals. Through direct interaction with persons with disabilities, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of empathetic approaches, appropriate communication, and collaboration with social caregivers.
A representative of FKG UGM stated that the Summer Course program is designed to create tangible community impact while equipping students with comprehensive field experience. “Dental healthcare services for persons with disabilities require a special approach. This is an important learning experience for future dentists,” the representative noted.
Collaboration with BRTPD Yogyakarta and local community health centers also ensures continuity of care, particularly for PPKS who continue to experience dental complaints.
Hopes for Sustainability
Lilis expressed hope that the collaboration between BRTPD Yogyakarta and FKG UGM would not be limited to a single activity. According to her, oral and dental health education for persons with disabilities should be conducted routinely so that it becomes a habit rather than merely temporary knowledge.
“We hope that examinations and education can be conducted more frequently, not just once a year. Habituation is essential so that PPKS can truly become independent in caring for themselves,” she said.
Beyond dental chairs and medical instruments, this activity left a deeper impact: renewed confidence, courage, and hope. For Hari, Lulu, Mrs. Sri, and other PPKS, the smiles that have returned are a testament to how inclusive dental and oral healthcare services can transform experiences and enhance self-confidence.
Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
