In an effort to promote oral health awareness, the Doctoral Program in Dental Science (S3 IKG) at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) organized a community service program at PT Pagilaran, Batang. The activity, held on 8-9 November 2024, aimed to educate the local community on the importance of maintaining oral hygiene and health.
This initiative also focused on raising awareness about proper dental care practices, including correct tooth-brushing techniques. The event involved lecturers, students, and alumni from the Doctoral Program in Dental Science, who actively participated in delivering this essential knowledge to the community.
In addition to dental check-ups, the program offered general health screenings. Participants received treatments such as fillings and extractions. Of the 138 attendees, seven received dental fillings, 14 underwent extractions, and the rest participated in dental and general health examinations.
The general health examinations, which included anthropometric measurements, were conducted in collaboration with RSA UGM and Puskesmas Blado 1 Batang. This comprehensive approach ensured that the community not only received dental care but also had access to general health services, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to affordable healthcare access.
As a gesture of appreciation, participants were given souvenirs, including basic food supplies, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, to encourage better oral health habits. This initiative reflects a commitment to fostering sustainable healthy living practices in the community.
drg. Yosaphat Bayu Rosanto, M.D.Sc., Sp.BMM, Head of the Community Service Unit at FKG UGM, expressed his hopes for the impact of this program. “We hope that through this education and dental health check-up, the community will become more conscious of maintaining their oral hygiene, ultimately improving their quality of life,” he said.
One participant from PT Pagilaran shared their experience, “After attending this event, I have a better understanding of the importance of oral and dental care. The check-up and treatments, such as the dental filling I received, were incredibly helpful. I am now more mindful of how to care for my teeth and am committed to adopting a healthier lifestyle.”
This community service initiative was a collaboration between PT Pagilaran, RSGM UGM (UGM Dental and Oral Hospital), RSA UGM, and Puskesmas Blado 1 Batang. Its goal was to promote sustainable oral health habits in the community and ensure that everyone has access to affordable healthcare and medicines.
The program's success highlights the importance of community involvement in health education and the role of academic institutions in addressing public health challenges. By building partnerships with local organizations, the Doctoral Program in Dental Science at FKG UGM contributes to progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships to Achieve the Goals).
Contributors: Rieza Zulfahmi, Taftazani, S.SiT., M.Kes., Suci Agustina | Author : Al Haqi Insan Pratama
