The Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) held an educational event in celebration of National Dental Health Month at Budi Utama Elementary School, Yogyakarta, on 16 October 2024. The event was attended by hundreds of students with the aim of instilling awareness about the importance of oral and dental health from an early age. The session was led by Drg. Henytaria Fajrianti, Sp.KG, who provided practical knowledge on proper brushing techniques and other good oral hygiene habits.
The event began with an introduction to the importance of maintaining dental health, delivered in an engaging manner using props such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, and educational images and videos. Students were then taught effective brushing techniques, from how to hold a toothbrush correctly to the right movements for cleaning their teeth. Each student had the opportunity to practice these techniques under the direct guidance of Drg. Henytaria.
In addition to theoretical and practical sessions, the event also featured educational games that conveyed messages about avoiding excessive sugary foods and maintaining good oral hygiene. “We hope this activity benefits not only the students but also influences their family habits,” said Drg. Henytaria. With this initiative, children are expected to apply the knowledge they have gained to maintain their dental health daily
This event also aimed to raise parents' awareness of the importance of supervising their children's oral hygiene habits. Parents are encouraged to support the healthy practices taught at school by providing proper dental hygiene tools at home and taking their children for regular dental check-ups.
This initiative reflects FKG UGM's commitment to making a real contribution to society, both through academic education on campus and beneficial community service programs. FKG UGM aims to foster a young generation aware of dental health, ultimately reducing the prevalence of oral health issues in the future.
The event also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by raising public awareness of oral health and Goal 4 (Quality Education) by educating students, parents, and the community about dental hygiene.
Contributor: drg. Rahmadani Puspitasari, MDSc. | Author: Diva Luthfiana Lathifah
