UNHAS Dental Therapy Community Service Targets Elementary School Students in Selayar Islands Regency
Building a Cavity-Free Generation: UNHAS Dental Therapy Study Program Conducts Oral Health Education and Toothbrushing Practice at UPT SDI Benteng 58, Selayar Islands
Selayar Islands, July 25, 2026 – The Dental Therapy Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Hasanuddin, carried out a community service activity entitled "Oral Health Education and Proper Toothbrushing Practice at UPT SDI Benteng 58" on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at UPT SDI Benteng 58, Selayar Islands Regency.
The activity was conducted as part of the implementation of the university's Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly in the area of community engagement. It aimed to improve school children's knowledge, awareness, and practical skills in maintaining oral health by fostering proper toothbrushing habits from an early age.
Approximately 50 students of UPT SDI Benteng 58, accompanied by their teachers, participated in the program. Through this activity, participants received education on the importance of maintaining oral hygiene, the causes of dental caries, preventive measures, and the significance of adopting clean and healthy lifestyle habits during childhood.
The community service team consisted of lecturers from the Dental Therapy Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Hasanuddin, namely Firman, S.KM., M.KM.; Nur Aedah Ahmad Rani, S.Tr.Kes., M.KG.; Muh Firdaus Tullah, S.Tr.Kes., M.Tr.TGM.; drg. Nurul Safira Maulida, Sp.Pros.; Ayu Wulandari, S.Tr.Kes., M.Tr.TGM.; Evi Adawiyyah, S.Tr.Kes., M.Tr.TGM.; and Fatimah Azzahrah Zainuddin, S.KM., M.KKK. All lecturers actively participated in delivering oral health education, demonstrating the correct toothbrushing technique, and supervising students throughout the activity.
The program also involved students from the Dental Therapy Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Hasanuddin, as part of their field-based learning experience.
The participating students were Wesly Sirenden, Musaril, Ahmad Hidayat, and Fajar. They assisted in organizing the activity, accompanied elementary school students during the toothbrushing practice session, provided guidance on proper brushing techniques, and documented the entire event.
The program began with an opening ceremony and welcoming remarks from the school representatives. This was followed by an interactive educational session on oral health, covering the importance of maintaining oral hygiene, the causes of dental caries, the benefits of regular toothbrushing, and the recommended timing for brushing teeth each day. The students demonstrated great enthusiasm by actively participating in discussions and asking numerous questions throughout the session.
The highlight of the event was a hands-on toothbrushing practice involving all participating students. The lecturers first demonstrated the proper toothbrushing technique according to recommended guidelines, including the correct way to hold a toothbrush, clean the outer and inner surfaces of the teeth, brush the chewing surfaces, and clean the tongue.
Following the demonstration, all students practiced the technique together under the direct supervision of the lecturers and university students. Each participant received individual guidance and constructive feedback to ensure they understood and were able to perform the correct toothbrushing technique independently in their daily lives.
Through this activity, the Dental Therapy Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Universitas Hasanuddin, hopes that students will not only understand the importance of maintaining oral health but also acquire the practical skills necessary to brush their teeth correctly and consistently, both at home and at school. The combination of education and hands-on practice is expected to encourage the development of sustainable healthy habits from an early age.
This community service initiative represents the Dental Therapy Study Program's ongoing commitment to improving community oral health through promotive and preventive approaches.
The study program also hopes that similar activities can be carried out continuously in the future to foster a culture of maintaining good oral health among younger generations, beginning at the elementary school level.
