Yogyakarta, 29 August 2024 – Fifth-semester students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in the Dental Restoration Practicum KGA with the theme “Class V Cavity Restoration with Glass Ionomer Cement” at the Harkati Dewanto Dental Phantom Laboratory. The practicum was supervised by lecturers from the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, including drg. Anggun Dwi Andini, Sp.KGA, drg. Putri Kusuma Wardani M., M.Kes., Sp.KGA (K), and drg. Ignatius Sulistyo Jatmiko, M.Kes., Sp.KGA.
This practicum aimed to equip students with the skills to perform Class V cavity restoration on posterior deciduous tooth models using glass ionomer cement (GIC). Before starting, students were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as lab coats, masks, head caps, and gloves.
The procedure began with access opening of the cavity using a round bur No. 1/4 or 1/2, followed by cleaning the carious tissue with an excavator or round metal bur. Retention was enhanced by creating an undercut at the gingivoaxial and incisoaxial line angles using a round bur. After cleaning with cavity cleanser, students isolated the working area using a cotton roll and applied dentin conditioner for 20 seconds.
Type II GIC was then mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions using an agate spatula on a paper pad with a folding motion. The material was applied into the cavity using a plastic instrument, followed by cocoa butter application on the entire surface after the material reached the dough phase. The final steps involved checking occlusal contacts and finishing using an alpine finishing bur to remove excess material.
This practicum is part of FKG UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being and Goal 4: Quality Education. It provides hands-on experience for students, preparing them to contribute to public health improvement. Through such activities, FKG UGM strives to produce competent healthcare professionals, ready to face challenges in the professional world while promoting a healthy and prosperous society.
Contributor: Sri Pujiatun | Author: Haqi
