One day, a child who initially could not rinse their mouth was finally able to do so. Then a parent said, “Sir, this toothbrush is comfortable; the children have become diligent about brushing their teeth.” From that simple sentence, Rieza realized that the best innovations are born from empathy, not merely technology.
In 2025, a team from Poltekkes Tasikmalaya entered the TOP 60 KIJB 2025, including the work of Dr. Rieza Zulfahmi Taftazani, S.ST., M.Kes., an alumnus of the Doctoral Program at FKG UGM, with the supporting role of PT Kaltim Methanol Industri (KMI) as a collaborator of the S3 IKG Program at FKG UGM, which fully supported Rieza’s research process within the framework of research-based Community Service, conducted in a multi-year and sustainable manner. As a result, the project became one of the implementations of multi-helix collaboration and synergy, which is a hallmark of UGM. Rieza, as he is commonly known, introduced the GAMA Brush DS toothbrush (Genggam Adaptif Mandiri Anak untuk Down Syndrome). The following is Rieza’s story with his “toothbrush.”
The Inspiration Behind GAMA Brush DS
GAMA Brush DS was born from a real gap between the needs of children with Down syndrome and the toothbrush products available on the market. Conventional toothbrushes are generally designed with the assumption that users have good fine motor control, whereas children with Down syndrome commonly experience hypotonia of the hand muscles (muscle weakness), limited grip strength, and different sensory sensitivities. As a result, many of them are unable to brush their teeth independently or even refuse to brush because they feel uncomfortable. The name “GAMA Brush DS” itself stands for Genggam Adaptif Mandiri Anak, reflecting its core philosophy of helping children achieve independence through adaptive design.
An Innovative Toothbrush
GAMA Brush DS was developed from field findings that most children with Down syndrome experience difficulty brushing their teeth independently due to weak muscle tone and limited fine motor skills. Conventional toothbrushes are often too small, slippery, or uncomfortable to grip, causing children to tire quickly and depend on caregivers.
GAMA Brush DS is introduced as an adaptive toothbrush designed based on the hand-grip mold of children with Down syndrome, integrating ergonomic, sensory, and material safety aspects. This product was designed through scientific stages ranging from observations in special needs schools (SLB), finite element analysis simulations, to digital fabrication using SLA-based 3D printing, making it easily replicable locally.
Distinctive Featuresand Noveltyof the GAMA Brush DS Toothbrush:
- Grip design based on biomechanical data (palm structure) of children.
- A flexible neck that follows the contour of the child’s mouth for more effective cleaning.
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle with dotted texture for sensory stimulation.
- Lightweight, biocompatible materials that are safe for daily use.
More than just a cleaning tool, GAMA Brush DS is designed as an assistive deviceice for independence training (activities of daily living/ADL), helping children with Down syndrome learn self-care, increase self-confidence, and strengthen bonds with their caregivers. GAMA Brush DS is unique in its adaptive handle design tailored to the hand grip shape of children with Down syndrome. Unlike conventional toothbrushes, GAMA Brush DS features a textured ergonomic grip for sensory stimulation, a flexible neck, lightweight material, and a detachable brush head. Its novelty lies in the scientific approach that integrates user-centered design, finite element analysis, and direct clinical testing on children with Down syndrome. Novelty terletak pada pendekatan ilmiah yang menyatukan user-centered design, finite element analysis, dan uji klinis langsung pada anak Down Syndrome.
Implementation Toward Mass Production
Currently, the GAMA Brush DS prototype has passed ergonomic testing, material strength simulations, and limited clinical trials. The next stage is production optimization to improve efficiency, as the initial version still uses 3D printing technology with relatively high costs. At present, Rieza is preparing a transition to injection molding and exploring collaborations with industrial partners for large-scale production, along with filing an industrial design patent.
GAMA Brush DS Enters the TOP 60 KIJB 2025
Being included in the TOP 60 KIJB 2025 is a great honor for Rieza, not only as recognition of the innovation, but also as evidence that research from UGM and from Rieza himself, who comes from Poltekkes Tasikmalaya, can have a tangible impact on society. Personally, this is a momentum to demonstrate that academic research does not stop at journals, but can be implemented up to the level of public policy and products.
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Rieza’s Personal Documentation
