In a significant effort to promote dental health awareness, the Doctoral Program in Dental Science (S3 IKG) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), conducted a community service activity at SD Negeri Keteleng 01, Batang, Central Java. Held on 8–9 November 2024, the event aimed to educate students on the importance of maintaining oral health and hygiene. A total of 90 students actively participated in various activities designed to enhance their understanding of proper dental care.
The activities included educational sessions on correct tooth-brushing techniques delivered by lecturers, students, and alumni of UGM's Doctoral Program in Dental Science. This practical approach not only provided valuable information but also engaged the students in hands-on activities to reinforce the lessons learned.
In addition to dental health education, comprehensive health check-ups were conducted, including dental examinations and treatments such as fillings and extractions for students in need. The health check-ups were carried out in collaboration with the Universitas Gadjah Mada Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM UGM) and the local health center, Puskesmas Blado 1 Batang, ensuring thorough care for the children.
The event began with a communal breakfast of mung bean porridge, fostering a sense of togetherness among participants. Afterward, the students participated in a group tooth-brushing activity, emphasizing the habit of brushing teeth after breakfast. This interactive session proved to be a fun and effective way to teach children the importance of oral hygiene.
Following the group tooth-brushing session, dental screenings were conducted to assess the condition of the students' teeth. Immediate treatment, including fillings and extractions, was provided to those requiring further care. The team also identified children with caries-free teeth as part of a broader initiative to promote dental health awareness and encourage good oral hygiene practices.
As a token of appreciation for their participation, the students received souvenirs such as biscuits, milk, and stationery to motivate them to continue learning and maintaining their oral health. This initiative not only provided immediate benefits but also aimed to instill long-term habits contributing to their overall well-being.
One of the healthcare operators involved in the event shared their hopes for greater awareness of early dental care. "Through this activity, I hope the community better understands the importance of maintaining dental health from an early age. We are also delighted to provide check-ups and treatments, such as fillings, which directly benefit the children. Hopefully, what we did today helps them maintain better dental health in the future," said a team member from the FKG UGM community service team.
The principal of SD Negeri Keteleng 01 expressed gratitude for the event. "After participating in this activity, we feel greatly helped by the education provided to the children about the importance of maintaining dental health. The group tooth-brushing activity was highly effective in instilling good habits, like brushing teeth after breakfast. We also thank the FKG UGM community service team for the thoughtful gifts of biscuits and milk, which have motivated the children to be more enthusiastic about learning and taking care of their teeth," they stated.
This community service initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being, which promotes overall health and ensures access to affordable medicines and healthcare services. By educating young students about dental health and providing necessary treatments, this program contributes to building healthier communities and a brighter future for the next generation.
Contributors: Rieza Zulfahmi, Taftazani, S.SiT., M.Kes., Suci Agustina | Author : Al Haqi Insan Pratama
