Lecturers and students from the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), in collaboration with the Indonesian Society of Pediatric Dentistry (IDGAI) DIY-Central Java, successfully conducted a dental education and check-up event for children with special needs at UPTD PLDPI Surakarta on Saturday, 30 November 2024. This initiative was part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of oral health for children with special needs and expand access to inclusive healthcare services.
The event was attended by children with special needs along with their parents and caregivers. Throughout the session, dentists provided education on effective toothbrushing techniques, healthy food choices for dental health, and the importance of regular dental check-ups. Parents received practical guidance on maintaining their children's oral hygiene, which is essential for both their physical and emotional well-being.
In addition to education, free dental check-ups were conducted by dentists from IDGAI and IKGA UGM. These examinations were designed to detect early dental health issues and provide appropriate interventions. Parents expressed their appreciation for this initiative, highlighting that access to specialized dental care for children with special needs remains limited.
drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan, one of the participating residents, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in improving the quality of life for children with special needs. He stated, "Through this collaboration, we can ensure that children with special needs receive the proper and inclusive healthcare services they deserve."
The collaboration between IDGAI DIY-Central Java and IKGA UGM serves as a concrete effort to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by enhancing access to dental healthcare for children; SDG 4: Quality Education, by providing oral health education to the community; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering cooperation among institutions to achieve common objectives.
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana Lathifah
