For many people, visiting a dentist may be a routine matter. However, for persons with disabilities\u2014particularly those with intellectual disabilities\u2014encounters with dental care are often accompanied by fear, anxiety, or even trauma. For this reason, the presence of the FKG UGM team at BRTPD Yogyakarta represented more than merely a medical service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An Examination That Changed Perceptions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The services provided included dental scaling, fillings for carious teeth, medication administration, and simple education on proper tooth-brushing techniques. The procedures were carried out using a communicative and patient-centered approach, tailored to the individual needs of each PPKS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lulu, another PPKS beneficiary, initially experienced discomfort after a filling procedure. However, following an adjustment, the complaint resolved.\n\u201cIt doesn\u2019t feel uncomfortable anymore. It\u2019s comfortable now,\u201d she said with a smile. This experience helped her overcome her fear of future dental visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A similar story was shared by Mrs. Sri, who had previously suffered from swelling due to tooth pain. After receiving treatment and dental scaling, she reported significant improvement.\n\u201cIt feels much better now, more comfortable,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These simple impressions reflect a profound transformation\u2014from fear and discomfort to trust in dental healthcare services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Dental Health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Head of BRTPD Yogyakarta, Lilis Sulistiyowati, S.Sos., M.Si., stated that the program had a significant impact not only on oral health, but also on behavior and overall oral health-related quality of life among PPKS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAfter the dental examinations conducted by FKG UGM, we observed real changes. Our PPKS friends have become more diligent in brushing their teeth, they are no longer afraid of meeting dentists, and most noticeably, their appetite has improved,\u201d Lilis explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to her, oral and dental health is closely linked to nutritional intake and daily activities. When pain is reduced, PPKS are more willing to eat, resulting in better nutritional fulfillment. This supports the primary goal of social rehabilitation, namely improving independence in daily living activities (activities of daily living \/ ADL). activity daily living<\/em> (ADL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, BRTPD Yogyakarta serves 115 PPKS with various types of disabilities, including physical disabilities, sensory disabilities (visual and speech), and intellectual disabilities. Approximately 75 percent of them are individuals with intellectual disabilities ranging from mild to severe levels. This group particularly requires repeated and sustained health education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical and Social Collaboration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For FKG UGM, this initiative serves not only as a service activity, but also as a learning process for students and healthcare professionals. Through direct interaction with persons with disabilities, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of empathetic approaches, appropriate communication, and collaboration with social caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A representative of FKG UGM stated that the Summer Course<\/em> program is designed to create tangible community impact while equipping students with comprehensive field experience.\n\u201cDental healthcare services for persons with disabilities require a special approach. This is an important learning experience for future dentists,\u201d the representative noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collaboration with BRTPD Yogyakarta and local community health centers also ensures continuity of care, particularly for PPKS who continue to experience dental complaints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hopes for Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lilis expressed hope that the collaboration between BRTPD Yogyakarta and FKG UGM would not be limited to a single activity. According to her, oral and dental health education for persons with disabilities should be conducted routinely so that it becomes a habit rather than merely temporary knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe hope that examinations and education can be conducted more frequently, not just once a year. Habituation is essential so that PPKS can truly become independent in caring for themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond dental chairs and medical instruments, this activity left a deeper impact: renewed confidence, courage, and hope. For Hari, Lulu, Mrs. Sri, and other PPKS, the smiles that have returned are a testament to how inclusive dental and oral healthcare services can transform experiences and enhance self-confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reporter: Andri Wicaksono, Photographer: Fajar Budi Harsakti<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Bantul, 19 Desember 2025 \u2014 Senyum Hari kini lebih lepas.. Rasa nyeri yang sempat membuatnya enggan makan perlahan hilang setelah ia menjalani pemeriksaan gigi di Balai Rehabilitasi Terpadu Penyandang Disabilitas (BRTPD) Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta beberapa bulan lalu. \u201cDulu sakit sekali. Sekarang sudah bersih, tidak sakit lagi, dan nyaman,\u201d ujarnya lantang & mantap. Hari adalah satu […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":295,"featured_media":16911,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[298,307,289],"class_list":["post-16910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-berita-terbaru","tag-sdg-10-mengurangi-ketidaksetaraan","tag-sdg-17-kemitraan-untuk-mencapai-tujuan","tag-sdg-3-kesehatan-dan-kesejahteraan-yang-baik"],"gutentor_comment":0,"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/fkg.ugm.ac.id\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2025\/12\/20251219_100720-1024x683.jpg\")
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