Lecturers from the Orthodontics Department of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the Rotary Club Yogyakarta and Prof. Anne Marie Kuijpers-Jagtman, DDS, PhD, a renowned international orthodontist, visited SLB Bina Kasih Srumbung, Magelang, on Thursday, 12 December 2024. The visit aimed to engage with children, hold discussions with teachers, and provide support for the education and health of children with special needs.
This initiative was designed to raise awareness about the importance of oral health among children with special needs while fostering stronger connections between educational institutions and the community. Prof. Kuijpers-Jagtman, widely recognized for her contributions to orthodontics, shared her expertise on proper dental care for children with congenital conditions.
Upon arrival at SLB Bina Kasih, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the school’s teachers and staff. The event began with opening remarks from the school principal, who provided insights into the students’ conditions and specific needs. Prof. Kuijpers-Jagtman and her team then toured the school, interacting with the children and offering them the care and attention they truly deserve.
During the visit, Prof. Kuijpers-Jagtman held a dialogue session with teachers, discussing the challenges they face in educating and ensuring proper dental care for children with special needs. She attentively listened to teachers’ feedback on the unique requirements of their students and explored ways to integrate dental care into their education programs.
The discussion proved to be highly productive, as teachers shared their experiences and obstacles in supporting the development and well-being of children with special needs. In addition to discussions, the event also featured an educational session on oral health. Prof. Kuijpers-Jagtman emphasized the importance of proper brushing techniques and routine dental check-ups. Using interactive teaching aids, she explained the concepts in a fun and engaging manner, making it easier for the children to understand and remember.
The Rotary Club Yogyakarta played a key role in the initiative, providing logistical support and educational materials such as books and teaching aids to help teachers incorporate dental health education into their curriculum. Their active participation underscored their dedication to improving both education and health within the community.
This visit is expected to bring a positive impact to the children of SLB Bina Kasih while enhancing awareness of oral health’s role in overall well-being. “This initiative means a lot to us. We want to ensure that every child, regardless of their condition, receives the care and attention they deserve. Oral health is an essential part of overall health,” said Prof. Kuijpers-Jagtman.
Beyond a single event, this initiative also marks the beginning of a stronger collaboration between UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG UGM), the Rotary Club Yogyakarta, and SLB Bina Kasih. Moving forward, this partnership aims to develop future programs that will further benefit children with special needs.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Ensuring proper healthcare for children with special needs; SDG 4 – Quality Education: Providing accessible learning opportunities for all students; SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Encouraging innovation in healthcare and education; and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthening multi-sector collaborations to support children’s well-being. With a spirit of collaboration and compassion, this visit serves as a powerful testament that education and healthcare must go hand in hand to ensure children with special needs receive the support they need to grow and thrive.
Authors: drg. I Putu Arya Ramadhan, Haqi
