Dental Hygiene students from the 2022 cohort at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), participated in the Summer Course Program organized by the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) UGM. The event, themed "Empowering Communities for Climate Health Resilience," took place over two weeks, from 28 October to 8 November 2024, at FKKMK UGM and Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta.
The program welcomed 60 participants from various medical and dental faculties, both from Indonesia and abroad. The objective of this Summer Course was to broaden participants' understanding of the impact of climate change on public health and empower them with knowledge and skills to address climate challenges at the community level.
During the event, participants attended various lectures, discussions, and field projects. One of the highlights of the program was a lecture by Drg. Lisdrianto Hanindriyo, MPH, Ph.D., on 30 October 2024. Focusing on the topic of Green Dentistry, he explained the connection between climate change and dental practice. “Green dentistry refers to dental practices that prioritize environmental sustainability by minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, and using eco-friendly materials and methods. This approach aims to reduce the ecological footprint of dental care while maintaining high standards of patient health and safety,” said Drg. Lisdrianto.
The field activities in Kulon Progo provided participants with invaluable experiences. They interacted directly with local communities to understand the challenges posed by climate change. This hands-on approach allowed them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts while deepening their understanding of local community dynamics and resilience strategies.
As part of the program, participants were encouraged to develop innovative projects that contribute to solving local health issues exacerbated by climate change. These projects not only provided a valuable learning experience but also had a direct impact on the communities involved, demonstrating the importance of academic collaboration in addressing global issues.
The FKKMK 2024 Summer Course aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 4 (Quality Education), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This program represents a concrete step toward promoting quality education, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and supporting climate health resilience through community empowerment.
Contributor: Bekti Nur’aini | Author: Diva Luthfiana Lathifah
