The classroom atmosphere this time was unlike usual. The silence that emerged was not because students were intently focusing on material displayed on a screen, but because they were seriously moving their fingers, hands, and body gestures demonstrated by a Deaf Instructor. Students of the Dental Education Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), were attending a Sign Language lecture on Thursday (30/10).
This Sign Language lecture is not a new initiative. FKG UGM lecturer, drg. Fitrina Rachmadanty, M.P.H., explained that the activity she initiated has been running for the past three years. The lecture is part of the Basic Topics of Dental Clinical Procedures. Its purpose is to equip every FKG UGM graduate with basic communication skills using Sign Language. “We do not want to rule out the possibility that in the future, our students will treat Deaf patients. With this provision, they can become more humane and communicative dentists,” said the lecturer, who is familiarly known as Danty.
Furthermore, Danty expressed her hope that this material can continue to be developed in the future and even be taught to clinical clerkship (co-ass) students. This is particularly important because clinical clerkship students will directly interact with and provide care to patients in clinical settings.
This Sign Language lecture was delivered by a Deaf Instructor, Riski Purna Adi, and accompanied by a Sign Language Interpreter (JBI), Restu Yumna, from the Indonesian Sign Language Center of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (Pubisindo DIY). The Deaf Instructor, Riski, demonstrated to the students how to introduce themselves. In addition, students were equipped with Sign Language skills to communicate as dentists. They learned how to ask about dental conditions, complaints, and dental treatment procedures using Sign Language.
The students’ enthusiasm was clearly visible. Gerry, one of the students, had the opportunity to practice direct communication with Deaf Instructor Riski in front of the class. “This is my first time learning sign language directly from a Deaf Instructor. I feel more enthusiastic and motivated,” said Gerry.
Toward the end of the lecture, Riski delivered a touching message to the students. Through signs interpreted by the Sign Language Interpreter, he conveyed, “FKG UGM students are amazing for being willing to learn Sign Language. You can become successful and confident dentists. Do not be afraid to meet Deaf friends! Be humane dentists.”
The presence of this Sign Language course reinforces FKG UGM’s commitment to producing dentists who are not only excellent academically, but also socially conscious and capable of serving all segments of society without exception.
Author and Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti
