In 2003, data from Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency indicated that 0.7% of the total population consisted of children with special needs. By 2007, this figure had increased to 3.11%, based on a survey conducted by the Data and Information Center of the Ministry of Social Affairs. This data reflects a yearly rise in the number of children with special needs in Indonesia.
Responding to this trend, the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) initiated a Dental Health Education Assistance program for children with special needs. As part of this initiative, FKG UGM visited SLB N 2 Yogyakarta on Monday (28/10). Several lecturers participated in the event, including:
- Prof. drg. Tetiana Haniastuti, M.Kes., Ph.D.
- Prof. drg. Siti Sunarintyas, M.Kes
- Dr. drg. Dyah Irnawati, M.S
- Dr. drg. Rini Widyaningrum, M.Biotech
- Dr. drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH., Ph.D.
- Dr. drg. Friska Aini Rahman, MDSc.
- drg. Silviana Farrah Diba, Sp. R.K.G(K)
- drg. Shoimah Alfa Makmur, MDSc., Sp. KGA
This activity follows the cadre training of School Health Program (SHP) conducted by FKG UGM on 12 October 2024. Both events are part of the Roadshow National Dental Health Month (BKGN)
Several teachers participated in the SHP program. Andriyatni, S.Pd., expressed gratitude on behalf of the school for FKG UGM’s selection of SLB N 2 Yogyakarta as one of the SHP cadres. The SHP program at SLB N 2 Yogyakarta involved 30 students from grades 1 to 6.
drg. Silviana Farrah Diba, Sp.R.K.G(K) (drg. Farrah), the event's chairperson, shared her pride in the establishment of SHP cadres at SLB N 2 Yogyakarta. "We appreciate the warm welcome from the teachers. It's great to hear that students are already in the habit of brushing their teeth every morning. This is excellent progress," drg. Farrah remarked.
According to drg. Farrah, similar outreach and assistance programs will continue. "We hope more SHP cadres will emerge, leading to improved dental and oral health, especially for children with special needs," she concluded.
At the end of the session, FKG UGM, represented by Prof. Tetiana, distributed dental health education tools as a commitment to the SHP program. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being, Goal 4 on quality education, and Goal 10 on reducing inequalities.
Author: Dody | Photo: Dody
