Students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), Class of 2022, held a Community Service Program in Windusari, Magelang Regency, on Friday (31 January). The event took place in two main locations: the Windusari District Hall and SD Negeri Windusari 2, involving local residents and elementary school students.
Opening Ceremony and Health Education at Windusari District Hall
The main event at the Windusari District Hall began with an Opening Ceremony led by Tiara Aufa Maisahra, Chair of the FKG UGM Class of 2022 Community Service Program (PMA). The ceremony featured a traditional Gambyong dance performance from Genito Village, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Several notable figures delivered remarks during the event. Windusari District Head, Edi Purnomo, emphasized the urgency of addressing stunting in the area. “Stunting education and food menu innovations are highly relevant here, as Windusari ranks second in stunting cases in Magelang Regency,” he noted.
Magelang Regent's Expert Staff, Aziz Amin Mujahidin, S.Pd., M.Pd., also highlighted the importance of oral health in children’s development: “Dental and oral health significantly affect children's growth and the risk of stunting. We hope this program brings real benefits to the community.”
FKG UGM Vice Dean, drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MD.Sc., Ph.D., elaborated on the link between stunting and oral health: “Dental issues can hinder nutrient absorption, leading to impaired growth. We’re here to provide education to help reduce stunting. Healthy Mouth, Strong Body. Healthy Teeth, Bright Future.”
To mark the official start of the 2022 Community Service Program, the Kubus Scientiae (Cube of Knowledge) was rotated in a ceremonial act, symbolizing education and knowledge. The cube rotation was conducted by the attending dignitaries, officially launching the program. Following the ceremony, education sessions on stunting and oral health were led by community health workers from Genito and Candisari Villages, and included health screenings for local residents.
Interactive Health Education at SD Negeri Windusari 2
The second main event took place at SD Negeri Windusari 2, beginning with a report by Program Committee Chair, Kaisya Fatihah. Remarks were also delivered by Dr. drg. Indra Bramanti, M.Sc, Sp.KGA from FKG UGM, and Eka Yuli Kurniawati, Principal of SD Negeri Windusari 2.
A special highlight of the event was the official opening by Denta, the FKG UGM mascot, which added a fun and festive atmosphere. Students of SD Negeri Windusari 2 showcased their talents through singing, storytelling, and traditional mask dancing, reflecting their spirit and creativity.
Teachers provided dental health education, followed by a group toothbrushing session as a hands-on practice in maintaining oral hygiene. The event was made even more engaging with various educational games in the Smiley Land Festival, designed to help children better understand the importance of dental health in a fun and interactive way.
This initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 4: Quality Education. Through this program, UGM Dentistry students aim to contribute to public health improvement and raise awareness about the importance of nutrition and oral hygiene in Windusari.
The program is expected to encourage the Windusari community to adopt healthier diets and improve oral health practices, ultimately helping to reduce stunting rates and promote the well-being of future generations.
Contributor: Absarina Jaseptiani | Author: Shinta
Photo: Doc. of PMA 2022
