The mouth is an essential part of our life. Some would even say the mouth is a window to one’s health. Thus, it is not an exaggeration to say that oral health is a key indicator of one’s well-being and quality of life.
However, oral health problems have been a long-standing issue in Indonesia. The 2018 National Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) suggests that 88 out of 100 Indonesian citizens suffer from dental caries.
The research also shows that the national DMF-T (decayed, missing, filled permanent tooth) index is at 7,1, which means, on average, there are more than seven permanent teeth with dental caries in any given individual.
To deal with these findings, the UGM Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) held Bulan Kesehatan Gigi Nasional (BKGN) FKG UGM on September 12-14.
The event, in collaboration with Unilever’s Pepsodent brand, the Indonesian Association of the Faculty of Dentistry (AFDOKGI), and the Indonesian Association of Academic Dental and Oral Hospital (ARSGMPI), aims to give free dental treatment and teleconsultation for those in need.
It also served as a grand launching to Pepsodent’s 2023 annual BKGN roadshow that would sequentially be held in all 32 faculty of dentistry in the country.
“This year, the BKGN launching event goes back to UGM after 14 years when we organized BKGN for the first time here in UGM,” said Prof. Suryono, Dean of FKG UGM and Chairman of AFDOKGI, in his greeting remarks.
This year’s BKGN was a little bit special because, for the first time, those who couldn’t access the free dental treatment were provided with free dental teleconsultation.
“We also aim to increase inclusivity by inviting schoolchildren with special needs (ABK) to teach them how to brush their teeth correctly,” he added.
The free dental treatment included scaling, simple tooth-filling procedures, and dental extractions.
More than a hundred dental practitioners from FKG UGM volunteered to participate in the community service act, from FKG UGM’s dental specialists, dental residents, general dentists, dental co-assistants, and undergraduate students.
“Both our students and lecturers always look forward to BKGN. The students especially are very enthusiastic to participate since they need the experience before practicing their profession in the real world, while for us lecturers, this is our commitment to contribute to the community as one of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi),” said Doctor Julita Hendrartini, Director of UGM Prof. Soedomo Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM) and Chairman of ARSGMPI.
Through the event, UGM manifests its commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being. SDG 3 ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.
Dr. Arie Sudjito, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Community Service Community Service, and Alumni, confirmed this in his greeting remarks.
“UGM always aims to grow collaborative partnerships between universities, the government, and private sectors to promote better health for the nation.”
Author: UGM Faculty of Dentistry