The Alumni Team of the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), conducted a community service activity at Yayasan Pondok Pesantren Modern Yatim dan Dhuafa Madania Yogyakarta on 13 September 2025. This initiative aimed to address child health issues, particularly oral hygiene, which plays an important role in reducing child mortality caused by preventable diseases.
The community service program was led by drg. Shoimah Alfa Makmur, MDSc., Sp.KGA, who emphasized the importance of good oral care from an early age. “Oral health is an essential part of overall health, especially for children. By educating children on proper toothbrushing techniques and preventive measures, we can significantly improve their quality of life,” she stated during the opening remarks.
Participants consisted of elementary and high school students from the Islamic boarding school, who showed great enthusiasm in learning how to maintain their oral health. The alumni team conducted interactive sessions demonstrating proper brushing techniques, highlighting the importance of routine dental care to prevent tooth decay and other oral diseases.
In addition to educational activities, the alumni team also provided fissure sealant treatments and topical fluoride applications for the students. These preventive measures are essential in protecting children’s teeth from decay, especially in communities with limited access to dental care. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in reducing child mortality and promoting health and well-being.
The collaboration between the IKGA Specialist Program alumni and the Islamic boarding school serves as a concrete example of civil society partnerships aimed at improving children’s health outcomes. The activity encouraged healthy habits and empowered children to take responsibility for their oral health.
drg. Shoimah expressed her gratitude to the boarding school for hosting the event and emphasized the importance of continuous partnership in addressing health issues. “We hope this initiative will inspire other organizations to engage in similar activities, as community involvement is key to achieving sustainable health improvement,” she added.
The students expressed their appreciation for the knowledge and practical skills gained during the program. This activity served as a reminder of the vital role of education and preventive dental care in securing a healthier future for children.
The synergistic efforts of Sp.KGA UGM alumni at Yayasan Pondok Pesantren Modern Yatim dan Dhuafa Madania demonstrate a meaningful step toward achieving SDG targets related to children's oral health.
Contributor drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan, Co-Author: Andri Wicaksono
Photo: Doc. Dept. Pediatric Dentistry (IKGA), FKG UGM
