Improving public health quality does not always have to start with large healthcare facilities. Local communities, such as Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), have significant potential as entry points for fostering healthier lifestyles, including maintaining oral and dental health.
Through a community-based approach, health education can be delivered more closely, relevantly, and sustainably. This was reflected in a community service program carried out by the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), at the Islamic Boarding School Majelis Ta’lim Sabilu Taubah, Blitar Regency, East Java, on Monday, 16 December 2024.
The program, which involved more than 400 participants, targeted the pesantren community, which has had limited access to oral health services. Coinciding with the school’s routine Pengajian Akbar (religious gathering), the UGM team provided interactive oral health education along with free dental screenings for all students.
“When education is delivered within organized communities like pesantren, the impact can be wider and more sustainable. It’s not just about sharing information, but also about encouraging collective change,” said Prof. Dr. drg. Juni Handajani, M.Kes., Ph.D., on 10 January 2025.
The program began with a pre-test to assess participants’ initial knowledge, followed by interactive oral health education. The materials covered included basic dental anatomy, proper dental care techniques, common oral diseases, and simple methods for self-checking oral hygiene. Participants also completed a post-test to evaluate their understanding after the session and received free dental check-ups.
The community-based approach was key to the success of the program. The pesantren environment, with its strong social bonds and shared values, provided an ideal setting to promote health messages. “We found that behavior change is more likely when education comes from within the community itself,” added Prof. Juni.
This initiative was a collaboration between FKG UGM and the Faculty of Dentistry, Institut Ilmu Kesehatan Bhakti Wiyata (FKG IIK Bhakta). Representing IIK Bhakta, drg. Basma Rosandi Prakosa, M.Si., emphasized the importance of inter-institutional collaboration in bringing educational services closer to the community. “We hope this activity can be the starting point for raising awareness about oral health from an early age, particularly in Kediri and its surrounding areas,” she concluded.
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti
Contributor: Master’s Program in Clinical Dentistry (IKG)
