Residents of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), successfully conducted a malocclusion screening at TK Negeri Pembina Yogyakarta on Wednesday, 7 August 2024. This event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of dental health from an early age and to support accessible and affordable dental health screenings for the community.
The screening focused on detecting malocclusion, which refers to misalignment of teeth and jaws that can lead to various health problems if left untreated. The residents emphasized that early detection is crucial to preventing further complications. "Early detection of malocclusion allows for more effective treatment and helps prevent future dental issues," said drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan.
In addition to direct examinations of children's teeth and jaws, the event included an educational session for students, teachers, and parents. The residents provided feedback on the children's dental conditions and distributed educational materials on proper oral hygiene and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
One parent expressed gratitude, saying, "We are very grateful for this event. Many of us were unaware of the importance of early dental check-ups."
This event also provided valuable hands-on experience for the residents, particularly in interacting with children and their parents. In addition to enhancing their professional skills, this experience helped prepare them for future practice.
The malocclusion screening for children reflects FKG UGM’s commitment to children's future and is a concrete step in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative aligns with: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring better access to dental health care for children; SDG 4 (Quality Education) by educating parents and the community on the importance of early dental check-ups; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between FKG UGM’s pediatric dentistry residency program and TK Negeri Pembina to promote dental health awareness.
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana
