The prevalence of dental caries among children in Indonesia remains high, particularly in densely populated areas.
According to the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas), around 93 percent of children aged 5–6 years suffer from cavities.
This indicates that most Indonesian children are still affected by dental caries. Therefore, early education is essential to raise awareness of oral and dental health, which remains low among the public.
This situation motivated Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Student Health Unit (Ukesma UGM) to initiate the Bina Desa Sehat (Healthy Village Development) program in Gowok Hamlet, Caturtunggal Village, Sleman Regency, in early May.
The program carried the theme “Healthy Teeth, Smarter Generation: Early Education for a Bright Smile Every Day.”
Early education is considered a strategic step toward long-term disease prevention and is part of broader efforts to build a healthy and high-quality human resource base.
The activity also aimed to improve community access to health services, create a healthy environment, and instill healthy daily habits.
The event was officially opened with a gong strike by Ukesma UGM Advisor Professor T.N. Saifullah, followed by a joint prayer, symbolizing Ukesma’s spirit of service, now entering its fourth decade.
Ukesma had previously fostered Ciren Village, Bantul, for four years. “Ukesma UGM is now expanding its outreach to Gowok as its new target village,” said Professor Saifullah in a statement sent to reporters on Thursday (May 15).
During the event, dentists Vera Imelda and Gilbert from the Depok 3 Community Health Center provided an interactive session on the importance of maintaining oral hygiene.
Children enthusiastically participated in watching educational animated films, practicing tooth brushing together, and answering quiz questions with prizes.
Ukesma UGM also distributed dental hygiene kits to help children maintain the habit at home.
Ukesma UGM Chair Fanni Nabilatuzahroh stated that the event was a form of community service and a tangible contribution to public health development.
“We want children in our target villages to grow into healthy individuals who understand the importance of maintaining their health early,” she said.
Positive feedback came from Gowok residents who accompanied their children during the event.
Sunardi (50), head of RT 15 Gowok, said the free dental check-up initiative was very beneficial for both the children and the community as a whole, as it provided important knowledge on the causes and prevention of dental diseases.
“We hope that through this program, we can continue caring for our family’s health and gain meaningful experiences. We fully support this initiative and wish it continued success.”
Musthofa (53), head of RW 06 Gowok, also noted that the student’s presence engaged the children in education.
“Their delivery method suited the children, and not one seemed sleepy,” he remarked.
Author: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographs: Ukesma UGM