In the realm of community service, the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) strives to introduce various innovative community empowerment initiatives to foster self-reliance and prosperity. One such initiative is the community service program by FKG UGM in Tlogopucang Village, Kandangan District, Temanggung Regency, Central Java Province. FKG UGM is committed to improving the oral and dental health of the Indonesian community through quality education, impactful research, and community service, by optimizing the use of data and information technology.
Considering the condition in Temanggung Regency, where the stunting rate is 25.1%, which is above the Central Java Province average of 20.7%, as reported in the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey, FKG UGM recognizes the need for a planned and sustainable community service program. In Tlogopucang Village, FKG UGM aims not only to conduct short-term activities but also to achieve long-term goals by empowering the local community.
Previously, FKG UGM had deployed hundreds of undergraduate students from the 2021 batch to actively participate and contribute directly to Tlogopucang Village through a series of community service programs, including training and formation of cadres from women's groups (PKK) and teachers, educating students, conducting group tooth-brushing sessions, and implementing nutrition projects.
Furthermore, designated village and school cadres were invited to engage actively and play a key role in enhancing oral and dental health within their community. Regular outreach and cadre evaluations are conducted to ensure the sustainability of the program. All these efforts are aimed at creating a self-reliant community in Tlogopucang Village in the field of health, while gradually reducing the stunting rate, which is a national issue.
Several pillars of the Sustainable Development Goals closely related to this initiative include Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Peace, and Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Nadia Fauzia | Editor: Fajar Budi H.
Photo: Fajar Budi H.
