Amid the growing public demand for accessible healthcare services, community engagement continues to demonstrate its role as a bridge between academic institutions and the real needs of society. The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), participated in the Khitan Berkah, Health Examination, and Grand Study event organized by MT Nusaibah in collaboration with the Muslim Afiyah Foundation at Jenderal Soedirman Mosque, Demangan Baru, Sleman, on Sunday (28 June 2026). The event provided various free healthcare services, including general health examinations, eye examinations, oral and dental health screenings, and mass circumcision services.
FKG UGM’s participation was not merely a response to an invitation as a higher education institution. More importantly, the involvement of its academic community represented a concrete implementation of the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education), particularly community service. Amid the relatively low awareness among some communities regarding the importance of regular dental check-ups, initiatives such as this serve as an effective strategy to bring healthcare services closer to the public while fostering a culture of disease prevention.
Dental health in Indonesia continues to face significant challenges. Many people only visit dentists when the pain becomes unbearable. In fact, various dental and oral diseases can be prevented through routine examinations, appropriate education, and healthier lifestyle practices. Therefore, promotive and preventive approaches are just as important as curative treatment.
During the event, dental and oral health services were conducted under the supervision of Dental Service Responsible Physicians (Dokter Penanggung Jawab Pelayanan/DPJP), namely drg. Kadek Gede Putra Wibawa, MDSc., and drg. Rizqi Nurarifka Walupi, Sp.Ort. The presence of professional dental practitioners ensured that every participant received a comprehensive initial examination as well as education on proper oral health maintenance.
For FKG UGM, health examinations are not merely medical service activities but also serve as educational platforms capable of transforming public perceptions. Through direct consultations, communities gain a better understanding of the importance of maintaining dental hygiene from an early age, avoiding oral disease risk factors, and undergoing regular examinations before symptoms appear.
In her remarks, drg. Rizqi Nurarifka Walupi, Sp.Ort., expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate in the community service activity.
“We would like to express our gratitude for the invitation and opportunity given to FKG UGM to participate in this community service activity. Activities like this provide an important space to bring oral healthcare services closer to the community while increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining oral health.”
This statement highlights that successful healthcare development depends not only on healthcare facilities but also on strong partnerships among universities, community organizations, social institutions, and local communities. Cross-sector collaboration serves as an important foundation for expanding healthcare access, particularly for communities facing limitations in healthcare availability and economic resources.
From a broader perspective, activities like this demonstrate that public health challenges cannot be addressed through a purely sectoral approach. Universities have a moral responsibility to bring knowledge and expertise into society, not only confining them within classrooms and laboratories. Sustainable community engagement reflects that educational institutions should not focus solely on academic achievements but also contribute to improving the quality of life of the wider community.
On the other hand, free healthcare services should be viewed as an initial step rather than a final solution. Education must be followed by continuous guidance so that communities can independently develop habits to maintain oral and dental health. Preventive awareness will ultimately reduce the prevalence of dental diseases, lower healthcare costs, and improve overall quality of life. The collaboration between FKG UGM, MT Nusaibah, and the Muslim Afiyah Foundation demonstrates that synergy among institutions can generate meaningful benefits for society.
Ultimately, the success of a community service program should not only be measured by the number of participants served but also by the lasting awareness it creates. When communities begin to understand that maintaining dental health is an investment in overall health, community service has moved beyond healthcare delivery and become a form of empowerment. At this point, universities truly fulfill their role as agents of social change—bringing knowledge that not only educates but also improves the dental health status of communities and continues to inspire future initiatives.
Contributor: drg. Kadek Gede Putra Wibawa, MDSc., Editorial Team: Andri Wicaksono