Yogyakarta, 18 July 2024 – The Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) successfully organized the 2024 Dental Summer Course, held from 15 to 21 July 2024, which was attended by 164 students from various ASEAN countries. A valuable highlight of this event was the International Community Service of the Dental Hygiene Program (PSHG), conducted at the Integrated Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities (BRTPD) in Pundong, Yogyakarta.
This activity involved several PSHG lecturers, including drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MDSc., Ph.D, drg. Iffah Mardhiyah, M.Biomed., and Bekti Nur’aini, S.Kp.G., M.P.H., along with students such as Camila Putri, Siti Khairani, Silvia Yuwandra, Nurul Aini, Almamifta Aurel, Fahrul Adi Prasetiawan, Achmad Rizal Zulkarnaen, Nurizka Amanda, Risqianna Nurmasari, and Intan Nur Sya’baningsih.
During the event, the students focused on providing oral health education to persons with disabilities at BRTPD Pundong. The goal of the education was to raise awareness about the importance of oral health while allowing students to apply promotive and preventive knowledge in real-life situations. Educating a population with special needs requires a specific approach, and through this activity, students were able to implement effective teaching methods.
drg. Iffah Mardhiyah, M.Biomed., one of the participating lecturers, stated, "By providing the right education, we hope that persons with disabilities can become more independent in maintaining their oral health." The educational approach was not only based on theory but also considered the physical and psychological conditions of the participants, ensuring more optimal results.
This experience became an important part of learning that integrated theory and practice for PSHG students while providing direct benefits to the community. In the future, similar activities are expected to continue, enhancing the involvement of academics and students in community service, particularly in the field of oral health.
The Dental Summer Course 2024 at BRTPD Pundong not only enriched participants' knowledge but also strengthened FKG UGM's commitment to creating a positive impact through international collaboration and meaningful community service. Through this activity, also help realize SDGs 3 Health and Well-being, SDGs 4 Quality Education, SDGs 10 Reducing Inequality, and SDGs 17 Partnerships to Achieve the Goals.
Contributor: Bekti Nur’aini
