The Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), organized free dental health education and medical check-ups for residents of Prawirodirjan on 18 April 2026 at Taman Perwira. The event was held to commemorate World Oral Health Day (WOHD), which is observed annually on 20 March.
The event coordinator, Daffa Rofi, stated that the activity in the densely populated area carried the theme “Celebrate A Happy Smile, Embrace A Healthy Life” to encourage residents to consistently develop habits that support dental and oral health.
“Many people only feel the need to visit a dentist once they are already in pain, such as experiencing severe toothaches or swelling. So the mindsetis still curative rather than preventive,” said Daffa.
Financial limitations and a lack of understanding about treatment procedures often cause people to postpone dental examinations. Despite these challenges, the event successfully attracted public interest and provided services to 110 patients.
Daffa further explained that the services ran smoothly thanks to the collaboration of the FKG UGM medical team, which deployed four supervising dentists, 12 dental assistants (clinical students), and 12 members of the Defasco team. The healthcare services became even more comprehensive with support from 10 medical personnel from Gondomanan Community Health Center (Puskesmas), who conducted height and weight measurements, blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, and cholesterol screenings.
According to Daffa, the lack of early education is one of the main causes of low public awareness regarding dental health. In response to this condition, students focused on children as a strategic target of the campaign. They abandoned rigid educational methods and replaced them with engaging learning media such as dental models, videos, flipcharts, and interactive games. flipchart, hingga permainan interaktif.
Previously, the WOHD 2026 campaign message had already been widely promoted by BEM FKG UGM since March through a national educational poster competition for high school and university students across Indonesia.
Author: Fajar Budi
Photo: Documentation of BEM FKG UGM
