Improving children’s oral health cannot only be addressed after problems have already developed. Early prevention is, in fact, a long-term health investment that plays a crucial role in determining children’s quality of life in the future. Driven by this commitment, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Dental Hospital (RSGM UGM) together with the Department of Pediatric Dentistry (IKGA), Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) conducted an Oral Health Examination and Education Program for 71 students of Rumahku Tumbuh Kindergarten, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on 26 May 2026.
This activity was part of a promotive and preventive health strategy aimed at building awareness of oral health maintenance during the critical early stages of child development. The program involved a multidisciplinary team consisting of RSGM UGM staff, lecturers from the IKGA Department of FKG UGM, dental residents, and dental students undergoing clinical training. This collaboration demonstrates that community healthcare services are not solely the responsibility of healthcare professionals in the field but are also an integral part of educating future dentists who are committed to community service.
More than simply conducting dental examinations, the activity began with education on the importance of maintaining oral hygiene through an enjoyable approach tailored to the characteristics of young children. Following the educational session, all students underwent oral health examinations to identify their individual oral conditions. The examination results are expected to provide valuable information for parents and teachers, allowing potential dental health problems to be detected earlier and treated appropriately.
From an analytical perspective, this approach has significant strategic value. Various studies have shown that most dental diseases in children can actually be prevented through the establishment of healthy behaviors from an early age. However, limited oral health literacy among children and parents remains a major challenge in Indonesia. Therefore, schools serve as effective intervention settings because they provide access to children during the stage when lifelong habits are being formed.
The collaboration between higher education institutions and healthcare facilities, as demonstrated by RSGM UGM and the IKGA Department of FKG UGM, reflects a shift in the paradigm of healthcare services. Hospitals are no longer viewed solely as places for treatment but also as active centers for public education that promote healthy lifestyles.
The activity coordinator from the IKGA Department of FKG UGM stated that dental examinations in early childhood provide benefits that extend far beyond disease identification. Childhood is a golden period for developing healthy behaviors. “Through child-friendly examinations and education, we hope that children will not only perceive dentists as professionals they visit when they are sick, but also as friends who help them maintain their health. Positive experiences like this will build children’s confidence to undergo regular dental check-ups into adulthood.”
The involvement of teachers and parents is a key factor determining the success of promotive health programs. Oral health education does not end when the activity is completed. Parents and teachers play an essential role in continuing proper toothbrushing habits, controlling children’s consumption of sugary foods, and ensuring regular dental visits.
Participant enthusiasm became one indicator of the program’s success. The children actively participated in every session while being accompanied by teachers and the implementation team. A communicative and enjoyable atmosphere helped reduce fear of dental examinations, which has long been a barrier preventing many children from accessing dental healthcare services.
From the perspective of dental education, this activity also served as a valuable learning opportunity for dental students and resident dentists. They gained direct experience interacting with the community and understood that successful healthcare delivery is not measured only by curative procedures but also by the ability to build public awareness and encourage disease prevention.
Moving forward, similar programs are expected to be expanded to more educational institutions. Childhood oral health challenges cannot be solved solely through clinical services; they require collective efforts integrating education, early detection, and continuous support. Through these efforts, every child can have the opportunity to grow with optimal oral health as a foundation for a better quality of life.
Contributor: drg. Fita Fathya Iriana, Editorial Team: Andri Wicaksono