Community Service Program of the Dental Therapy Study Program at Unhas in the Selayar Islands

Hasanuddin University Vocational Faculty's Dental Therapy Study Program Conducts Oral Health Education and Dental Examinations for Fish Farmers and Fishermen in Lowa Village

Selayar Islands, July 24, 2026 – The Dental Therapy Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Hasanuddin University, conducted an oral health education and dental examination program for fish farmers and fishermen in Lowa Village, Selayar Islands Regency, on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The activity was attended by approximately 20 participants consisting of members of local fish farming and fishing groups. The program was part of the university’s community engagement initiative aimed at improving public knowledge and awareness of the importance of maintaining oral health as an integral component of overall health.

During the program, the Dental Therapy Study Program team leader by Ayu Wulandari, S.Tr.Kes., M.Tr.TGM. delivered educational sessions on proper oral hygiene practices, the importance of regular toothbrushing, the appropriate use of oral hygiene tools, and preventive measures against dental and periodontal diseases. In addition to the educational session, participants received comprehensive oral health examinations to assess their individual oral health conditions.

The activity was supported by a community service team comprising Nur Aedah Ahmad Rani, S.Tr.Kes., M.KG.; Firman, S.KM., M.KM.; Muh Firdaus Tullah, S.Tr.Kes., M.Tr.TGM.; drg. Nurul Safira Maulida, Sp.Pros.; Evi Adawiyyah, S.Tr.Kes., M.Tr.TGM.; and Fatimah Azzahrah Zainuddin, S.KM., M.KKK. The program also involved students from the Dental Therapy Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Hasanuddin University—Wesly Sirenden, Musaril, Ahmad Hidayat, and Fajar—who actively assisted in delivering health education, conducting oral examinations, and facilitating participant engagement throughout the event.

The program also received support from the Selayar Islands Branch of the Indonesian Dental Therapists Association (DPC PTGMI), whose representatives participated in the activity. The delegation was led by the Chairperson of DPC PTGMI Selayar Islands Regency, Bustan, S.Tr.Kes., together with other branch members. The participation of the professional organization reflected a strong collaboration between higher education institutions and professional associations in promoting preventive and promotive oral health initiatives within the community.

Participants demonstrated great enthusiasm throughout the event by actively engaging in discussions, asking questions about common oral health problems, and consulting with the team regarding appropriate preventive measures and daily oral care practices.

Through this initiative, the Dental Therapy Study Program of the Faculty of Vocational Studies, Hasanuddin University, hopes to enhance awareness among fish farmers and fishermen in Lowa Village regarding the importance of maintaining good oral health as a key factor in improving quality of life and supporting occupational productivity.

This oral health education and dental examination program is expected to serve as an initial step toward fostering healthy lifestyle habits within the community while reinforcing the role of higher education institutions in making meaningful contributions through community engagement activities in the Selayar Islands Regency.