The Department of Pediatric Dentistry FKG USU proved its commitment to improving the dental health of children and toddlers by holding a community service program at the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) of Medan Children Toddler Social Services of the Social Affairs Office of North Sumatra Province. The event, from January 11-12, 2024, aimed to alleviate dental problems in children under five in Medan City.
The Department of Pediatric Dentistry, FKG USU, became the first department in FKG USU to carry out service activities targeting government strategic programs to reduce the level of dental caries in children. This activity is also proof of the implementation that the collaboration between the USU ECG and the North Sumatra Provincial Social Service is real, and to achieve a common goal in improving the quality of Oral Health of children in Medan - North Sumatra. A team of pediatric dentists consisting of lecturers in the IKGA department of the USU Faculty of Dentistry and competent medical personnel are present to provide free oral health services to children under five who need them, including preventive measures of fluoride administration, dental care in the form of fillings and extractions.
One of the main focuses of this activity is preventing dental disease at an early age. drg. Ami Angela Harahap Sp.KGA.Subsp-AIBK(K)., M.Sc, Chair of the Department of IKGA FKG USU, explained, "It is important to provide a preventive approach from an early age because good dental health in childhood can form sustainable habits into adulthood. We believe that investing in children's dental health is an investment in a better future. Providing oral health care and education early on, we hope to reduce the prevalence of dental problems in children and toddlers in Medan City."
This activity began with counseling on Friday, January 11, 2024, which was attended by 35 parents of children under five who were entrusted at the UPTD. The topic of counseling on how to maintain good oral health of children's teeth includes what oral and dental diseases are, how to maintain them including maintaining oral hygiene (how to brush your teeth, the right time to brush your teeth, choosing a brush and toothpaste) and a good child's diet for dental health and making periodic visits to the dentist. The parents' enthusiasm following this counseling was marked by the many questions from the parents.
This community service received full support from the Social Service of North Sumatra Province. This was proven by the presence of the Head of the Social Service of North Sumatra Province, Sri Suriani Purnawati, S.SI.Apt., M. Kes. expressed her appreciation for this joint effort. "Children's health is our top priority, and the collaboration between the USU Faculty of Dentistry and the North Sumatra Provincial Social Service is very helpful in achieving the goals and objectives of the current Government program. Moreover, many of the activities carried out by both are programs created by the government, and we feel very helped," said the Head of the North Sumatra Provincial Office.
Through this activity, it is hoped that awareness of the importance of dental health for children and toddlers will increase in the community. In addition, the collaboration between the authorities, medical personnel, and the community is a strong foundation to continue fighting for the dental health of children in Medan City and its surroundings in order to reduce the number of Dental Caries in children.
