Students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), Class of 2023 carried out a community service program in Trucuk District, Klaten Regency, on January 10–11, 2026. The activities were conducted in three villages: Bero, Mandong, and Palar.
The program focused on oral health education and services, targeting the general public, village health cadres, elementary school teacher cadres, and school-age children. Services provided included health education sessions, oral examinations, and basic dental treatments for community members.
The program coordinator, Aulia Nathaniela Farin, explained that Trucuk District was selected after students conducted a field survey and coordinated with village officials and the local community health center (puskesmas). “This area demonstrates strong community participation and considerable village potential, but several health issues remain, particularly in oral health,” Aulia stated.
Local health data indicate significant cases of dental caries and tooth eruption disorders in Trucuk District. These findings guided the students in designing a program tailored to the actual needs of the community.
The program activities included education and training for village health cadres on oral health and acute respiratory infections (ARI), training for elementary school teacher cadres, interactive oral health education sessions for students, and general health screenings. “The community also received simple dental treatments such as extractions, scaling, and fillings, including basic care for children. These procedures were performed by clinical students (co-assistants) and residents under the supervision of the attending dentist in charge (DPJP),” Aulia added.
According to Aulia, the program also served as hands-on learning for students as future dentists. “Through this activity, we learned to interact directly with the community, practice communication skills, and gain a more comprehensive understanding of residents’ health conditions,” she said.
Residents of the three villages welcomed the initiative enthusiastically and actively participated in the activities. The community service program is expected to have a sustainable impact by increasing public awareness of the importance of maintaining oral health.
Contributor: Aulia Nathaniela Farin Editor: Fajar Budi Harsakti
