The Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) organized a community service event offering free dental screening and treatment at SD Keteleng 1, Batang, Central Java, on 9 November 2024. This event was attended by students and faculty from the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program (PPDGS) at FKG UGM as part of their commitment to improving children's oral health in the region.
Prof. Drg. Sri Kuswandari, MS, Sp.KGA(K-KKA), Ph.D., Head of the Pediatric Dentistry Department, led the dental screening, ensuring that each child received a thorough examination. The screening was followed by direct treatment from pediatric dentistry residents, including Drg. Arif Rahman and Drg. Rina Isnarianti, who provided services such as simple extractions and fillings.
"Through this initiative, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of children's oral health from an early age. Preventive care like this is crucial in preventing more serious dental issues in the future," said Prof. Kuswandari.
In addition to providing direct benefits to students, this event was also a valuable opportunity for residents to gain practical experience in handling pediatric dental cases.
Collaboration with civil society, including local health authorities and community organizations, strengthened this initiative. Support from various stakeholders helped create an effective and sustainable program to address children's oral health issues, particularly in areas with limited access to dental care.
At the end of the event, students and parents expressed their gratitude for the services provided. The smiles on the children's faces were a testament to the success of this initiative.
This initiative is part of FKG UGM’s continuous efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan (Pediatric Dentistry Department, FKG UGM) | Author: Diva Luthfiana
