The Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), involved parents and teachers in educating children on the importance of maintaining oral health from an early age. Through a community service activity at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Ma’arif NU Banyumas (2/11), FKG UGM encouraged schools and families to actively participate in shaping healthy habits in children’s environments.
Dental caries remains a major challenge among Indonesian children. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) reported that 86.7% of children aged 5–9 years and 66.5% of children aged 10–14 years experience dental caries, indicating low awareness of oral hygiene from an early age.
The program coordinator, drg. Mayu Winnie Rachmawati, M.Sc., Ph.D., explained that oral hygiene habits must be instilled during elementary school years. “Many children are not accustomed to brushing their teeth at the correct time or using the proper technique. Through this activity, we aim to foster awareness and responsibility for oral hygiene, both at home and at school,” she stated.
The activity involved teachers, parents, and students in educational sessions and practical training on oral hygiene. Teacher training was emphasized, as schools play a major role in shaping children’s habits. Teachers are not only educators but also role models for healthy behavior.
Children aged 6–13 still require guidance in maintaining oral and dental health. Through school-based learning, teachers can introduce dental anatomy, types of oral diseases, and oral hygiene practices within daily lessons. “Teachers are the primary role models for children at school. If teachers demonstrate and consistently remind students, oral hygiene messages are more easily absorbed,” she added.
Through classroom learning, teachers can integrate dental anatomy, oral diseases, and hygiene practices into thematic lessons or extracurricular activities, ensuring that oral health messages become part of daily learning.
Meanwhile, parents play a crucial role in establishing habits at home. Parents can model healthy behaviors by regulating low-sugar diets, providing proper toothbrushes, and encouraging dental check-ups every six months.
One of the teachers, Mr. Ozan, shared that he gained valuable new knowledge from the training. “Previously, we only emphasized daily toothbrushing without knowing the correct technique
Report: Singgih | Editor: Fajar Budi Harsakti
Documentation: Community Service Team, Department of Dental Biomedics
