The role of teachers extends beyond academic instruction, encompassing efforts to maintain the physical health of their students. One important aspect that is often overlooked—but has a direct impact on students’ quality of life and learning ability—is oral and dental health.
The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), strengthened its commitment in this area by inviting representatives from schools and orphanages to the Training of Trainers (ToT) School Health Program (SHP). This training is one of the main activities of the National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2025 and aims to prepare agents of change at the school level. A total of 28 teachers participated, representing institutions including TK ABA Randu Belang, TK ABA Wono Catur, KB RA Bina Akhlak, KB RA Baiturrahmah, and Muhammadiyah Prambanan Orphanage.
Head of the Community Service Unit of FKG UGM, drg. Yosaphat Bayu Rosanto, M.D.Sc., Sp.B.M.M.(K), emphasized the crucial role of teachers in supporting the national target of achieving a caries-free Indonesia by 2030. “Considering that children’s dental decay index (DMFT) is still relatively high, teachers are key figures who can help address this issue,” he explained. He also added that FKG UGM will conduct roadshow school visits for dental checkups, and each participating school will receive a quota of 10 students for free dental treatment in December 2025.
During the SHP training, teachers were given fundamental knowledge on oral health. Bekti Nur Aini, S.Kp.G., M.P.H., highlighted the importance of proper toothbrushing technique using the “Red to White” method (from gums to teeth). “Maintaining oral hygiene is essential for improving quality of life. Tooth pain affects comfort, time, and finances. Therefore, brushing teeth at least twice daily—after breakfast and before bed—should be a habit,” she said.
The training also covered stages of tooth development and common oral health issues in early childhood, such as prolonged use of feeding bottles beyond age 2–3 and thumb-sucking. drg. Arif Rahman Setiawan explained that these habits can lead to bottle caries and disrupt permanent tooth growth.
“We can observe changes in the oral cavity caused by such habits, including biting hard objects or bottle-feeding beyond age three. The longer dental examination is delayed, the more complex and costly the treatment becomes,” he noted.
Participants showed enthusiasm during the toothbrushing practice session using demonstration models. Teachers responded positively, acknowledging the training as highly relevant to students’ needs. “This activity is excellent and the materials are very applicable. We hope for ongoing support from FKG UGM,” said Triono from Muhammadiyah Prambanan Orphanage.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Hanifatud Diniah from RA Baiturrahmah. She emphasized the importance of teacher understanding in oral health education. “We feel we have gained valuable knowledge from the experts. Oral health is essential and affects many aspects of life. We hope to apply this knowledge soon, and we hope this kind of program continues regularly,” she concluded.
Reporter: Maria Shinta | Photographer: Dody Hendro W. | Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
