Dr. Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Regional General Hospital in Samarinda held a screening and preparation program for cleft lip and palate surgery from 25 to 29 September 2024. This initiative involved the Departments of Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), along with the Senyum Harapan Nusantara Foundation. The program was part of a comprehensive social service supported by the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) of East Kalimantan Province, aiming to provide medical services for children in need.
Cleft lip and palate are congenital conditions that can cause various issues, including difficulty eating, speech disorders, ear infections, and dental problems. Surgery is crucial for improving basic functions such as eating and speaking, as well as enhancing the child’s quality of life. “Through this surgery, we are not only providing medical treatment but also helping children to develop optimally,” said Drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan, one of the doctors involved in the program.
The event also featured Drg. Sri Kuswandari, MS, Sp.KGA(K), PhD, head of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, who led the screening and preparation process. Pediatric Dentistry residents from UGM, such as Drg. Yunirahmilia and Drg. Dian Permata Sari, actively participated, bringing enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the team.
The partnership between Dr. Abdoel Wahab Sjahranie Regional General Hospital and BAZNAS highlights the importance of collaboration in improving access to healthcare. Additionally, the program supports patient families by providing education on cleft lip and palate conditions, early intervention, and post-surgical care. Through this initiative, FKG UGM contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4: Quality Education, and Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals..
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana
