The Student Executive Board of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (BEM KM FKG UGM), successfully held the Dentistry Open Day (DOD) at the Dental Biomaterial Learning Center Laboratory on Saturday, 2 November 2024. This event aimed to introduce high school students to the field of dentistry, provide insights into education at the Faculty of Dentistry, and familiarize them with various materials used in clinical practice.
One of the most engaging sessions was the Alginate Workshop, led by Dr. Friska Ani Rahman, MDSc, from the Department of Dental Biomaterials Science (IBKG). In this session, Dr. Friska provided an in-depth explanation of alginate, a commonly used impression material in dental practice.
"Alginate is derived from seaweed. It is easy to use and has excellent detail reproduction properties for teeth and surrounding soft tissues," explained Dr. Friska. She added, "Events like this are essential in introducing the fundamental concepts of biomaterials to students while also offering hands-on experiences to enhance their understanding."
Following the theoretical explanation, Dr. Friska demonstrated the proper way to mix alginate powder with water to achieve the correct consistency. Participants eagerly watched as she poured the mixed alginate into a dental impression mold.
Beyond observation, participants were given the opportunity for hands-on practice. Working in pairs, they experimented with mixing and molding alginate. This interactive segment provided a real-world experience that made learning both engaging and informative.
This initiative reflects FKG UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the use of environmentally friendly alginate as a key material in dentistry, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The Dentistry Open Day aims to inspire students to explore dentistry further while emphasizing the importance of safe and eco-friendly materials in medical practice.
Contributor: Ahmad Muttaqin | Author: Diva Luthfiana L
