The Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), in collaboration with Polident, organized a community service program titled "Balikin Senyum" (Bring Back the Smile) on 10 August 2024. This event was held at the Kalurahan Bangunharjo Courtyard, Sewon, Bantul Regency, featuring a series of activities aimed at providing oral and dental health services to the community.
The program included free dental check-ups, denture molding, dental health education, and entertainment activities. One of the highlights of the event was the denture molding process, which initially involved 19 individuals out of the total target of 125 people. The remaining participants will continue the denture molding and fabrication process at the UGM Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM) Prof. Soedomo. Out of 207 patients who underwent dental check-ups, 162 were eligible, with 143 conditionally approved for denture fabrication.
In addition to direct services, the event also featured a talk show led by Prosthodontics residents, discussing the importance of maintaining oral and dental health and providing practical tips to the community. According to Drg. Nadya Kurnia Putri, one of the program coordinators, "Through this initiative, we aim to make a real contribution to the community, not only through services but also by raising awareness of the importance of oral health."
The event involved various participants, including Prosthodontics lecturers and residents, clinical interns, undergraduate students from FKG UGM, and faculty and residents from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Prosthetics. The presence of these stakeholders demonstrated a spirit of collaboration in delivering tangible benefits to the community.
By organizing this community service program, FKG UGM supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving healthcare access, Goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing oral health education to the public, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering strong partnerships between educational institutions and private sector entities such as Polident.
Author: Diva L
