Residents from the Pediatric Dentistry Specialist Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), actively participated in providing dental care for children with special needs during National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2024. Held from 17 to 19 December 2024, at the FKG UGM campus, this initiative aimed to promote inclusive oral healthcare for all children, particularly those with special needs.
During the event, KGA residents performed various restorative dental treatments and conducted educational sessions for parents and caregivers. These sessions emphasized the importance of oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups as preventive measures. drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan stated, “We aim to empower families of children with special needs by providing them with knowledge that can help prevent dental issues in the future.”
Beyond providing treatment, the event also served as a platform to raise public awareness about the challenges faced by children with special needs in accessing healthcare services. The residents collaborated with civil society organizations to ensure better access to dental care, highlighting the importance of partnerships in delivering inclusive health solutions.
This initiative also underscored FKG UGM’s role in advocating for better healthcare policies through sustainable programs. Additionally, it provided valuable hands-on experience for residents in treating children with special needs, further enhancing their professional expertise.
As a tangible contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this activity supports: SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by ensuring inclusive dental healthcare; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through educational outreach for parents and caregivers; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration with civil society organizations to support oral health for children with special needs.
Contributor: drg. Arif Rahman Setyawan | Author: Diva Luthfiana Lathifah
