Advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Andalas University Expands Dental Health Services through BKGN 2024

Andalas University continues to strengthen its contribution to public health and multi-stakeholder collaboration in line with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the implementation of National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2024. In collaboration with PT Unilever Indonesia, the university provided free dental check-ups and treatments for the community, particularly students, at the Andalas University Dental and Oral Hospital (RSGM) in Padang, with participation exceeding 1,000 individuals.

The program was organized by the Dental and Oral Hospital and the Faculty of Dentistry of Andalas University in partnership with Unilever. As an annual initiative, BKGN aims to raise public awareness of oral health and reduce the prevalence of dental and oral diseases, especially among communities in Padang.

Over the three-day program, participants received various dental services, including scaling (tartar removal), simple fillings, minor tooth extractions, topical fluoride application, and pit and fissure sealants.

Chair of the organizing committee, Dr. drg. Oryce Zahara, Sp.Ort, stated, “The Dental and Oral Hospital and the Faculty of Dentistry of Andalas University, in collaboration with Unilever, once again organized free dental check-ups and treatments for more than 1,000 participants.” She also explained that prior to the main event, dental health education had been conducted for students at Al Falah Islamic Boarding School, 50 students from SLB YPPA Padang, and 80 children at Muspan KLA Dentist Football School. Additionally, BAZNAS Padang facilitated 130 children to receive free dental care.

In addition to on-site services, BKGN 2024 also introduced teledentistry, providing free online dental consultations that have served approximately 300 patients. Director of RSGM, drg. Hafindo Nismal, Sp.BM, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the Faculty of Dentistry, RSGM, and Unilever, and emphasized the importance of continuing such programs to achieve a community free from dental and oral diseases.

The event also featured student performances from SLB YPPA, educational presentations on dental health by dentistry students, and a collective toothbrushing program guided by young dentists and dental students.

Through this collaboration, Andalas University reinforces its role in expanding access to dental health services while strengthening partnerships among stakeholders to promote education and prevention of oral diseases.