Yogyakarta, Tuesday (12/09) marked the official opening of the National Dental Health Month 2023 at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada. This annual program is organized through a collaboration between Unilever Indonesia with the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), the Association of Indonesian Dental Faculties (AFDOKGI), and the Indonesian Association of Dental and Oral Hospital Education (ARSGMPI) under the theme "Smiling Indonesia, Strong Teeth, Healthy Mouths."
Prof. drg. Suryono, SH., MM., Ph.D., Chairman of AFDOKGI and also Dean of FKG UGM, in his address, emphasized that this year marks the 14th year of National Dental Health Month and the second time FKG UGM has hosted the kick-off event and inauguration of the National Dental Health Month. This sentiment was echoed by drg. Usman Sumantri, MSc., Chairman of PDGI's Central Board, stated, "In 2010, the National Dental Health Month initiative began at UGM, and now it returns to UGM."
Prof. drg. Suryono, SH., MM., Ph.D. also called upon all deans and directors of Dental and Oral Hospital Education Institutions across Indonesia to actively participate in National Dental Health Month to provide optimal benefits. National Dental Health Month is a program by Unilever Indonesia under the Pepsodent brand to free the Indonesian population from dental and oral health issues. "We continue our mission to encourage the public to brush their teeth twice daily and to consult with a dentist at least every 6 months. This aligns with the Ministry of Health's mission to focus on promotive and preventive health services as part of health sector transformation," said Distya Tarworo Endri, Head of Marketing Oral Care at Unilever Indonesia. His address highlighted dental and oral health issues among the Indonesian population. "Data shows that per capita sugar consumption in Indonesia has increased by 9% since 2019, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay. Through collaboration with AFDOKGI and ARSGMPI, we hope to achieve Smiling Indonesia, Strong Teeth, Healthy Mouths," he added.
The Chairman of PDGI expressed similar concerns in his speech. "Sugar consumption in Indonesia remains high, while tooth brushing behaviors remain problematic. Only 2.8% of Indonesians have the habit of correctly brushing their teeth after breakfast and before bedtime." He also expressed hope that Indonesia will become a cavity-free nation. " Indonesia ranks high in the DMF-T index (decayed, missing, filled teeth). Hopefully, we can soon achieve a cavity-free status like Japan."
Dr. Arie Sudjito, S.Sos, M.S., Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service, and Alumni, also expressed his hope that the National Dental Health Month agenda would be significant for all societal layers. "Dental and oral health should become a tradition, even a culture of healthy living," he emphasized. "Universitas Gadjah Mada always promotes collaborative partnerships among universities and between academia, government, and the private sector to enhance public health. Community service activities can also serve as a means to educate national character," he added.
Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Aryo (KGPAA) Paku Alam X was also present to deliver a written address from the Governor of DIY and officially inaugurate the event. "Maintaining dental and oral health is a habit that should be taught from childhood so that children have a high awareness of maintaining dental and oral health," he said. Therefore, it poses a unique challenge for medical practitioners to ensure that children and the public are not afraid to undergo dental check-ups. Through National Dental Health Month 2023, the Governor of DIY hopes for synergy between the government and related stakeholders to disseminate information about the importance of dental and oral health. "Let us enhance our commitment and spirit of concern to achieve real health development and realize Smiling Indonesia," he concluded.
The National Dental Health Month activities at FKG UGM occurred from 12-14 September 2023 at the Prof. Soedomo Dental Hospital. Over three days, free dental and oral health services were provided, including teleconsultations and simple treatments such as basic fillings, dental calculus cleaning, and uncomplicated tooth extractions.
