As part of its efforts to improve oral and dental health among early childhood students, the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), visited KB-RA Baiturrohmah in Dono, Sleman, on 6 November. The purpose of the visit was to monitor the implementation of dental health education at the school. According to data from the Ministry of Education and Culture, approximately 13 million children aged 3-6 years were enrolled in early childhood education (PAUD) programs in Indonesia in 2023. However, there remain significant challenges regarding oral health awareness, with the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) reporting that 93% of early childhood children have experienced dental health problems.
Enhancing Dental and Oral Health Awareness in Early Childhood
To address this issue, FKG UGM has been actively reaching out to young children through educational institutions. Previously, FKG UGM conducted a Training of Trainer (ToT) program for School Health Program (SHP) (ToT SHP facilitator FKG UGM Activity). This monitoring visit represents a follow-up to those activities.
“Welcome, doctors and the team from FKG UGM,” said Ustadzah Dra. Hj. Syamsiyah, M.Pd.I., representing KB-RA Baiturrohmah. In her remarks, she expressed gratitude and appreciation for KB-RA Baiturrohmah’s ongoing partnership with FKG UGM. Representing FKG UGM, Drg. Yosaphat Bayu Rosanto, MDSc., Sp.BMM.Subsp.IDM(K), echoed this sentiment, saying, “We hope this strong collaboration between FKG UGM and KB-RA Baiturrohmah will continue.”
Through this initiative, it is hoped that health education can reach children from an early age, improving the quality of education, particularly in oral and dental health. This effort aligns with FKG UGM's commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and Goal 4: Quality Education.
