UNAIR NEWS – A team of students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has earned a remarkable achievement by clinching third place in the Student Community Engagement category, focusing on oral health. The international competition was part of the South East Asia Association for Dental Education (SEAADE), held during its 35th Annual Scientific Conference. The prestigious event took place on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.
The team, comprised of students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine (FKG), included Ria Chusnita, Zhafira Khansa Rachmadanti, Covina Reyhana Azriella, Farah Richana Fajrin, and Hadfi Dhaky Chairuly. With guidance from Dr. Dini Setyowati, MPH, PhD, the team presented an innovative campaign titled LOFAT (Lots of Learning Facts About Teeth) 7020: Music, Montessori, and Technology Targeted Approaches Health Campaign. The project offered creative and educational solutions to address dental and oral health challenges.
Addressing dental caries issues
After passing the abstract submission and innovation mock-up stages, the team advanced to the finals, held at the Majestic Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Team member Ria Chusnita explained that the competition assessed how aspiring dentists could contribute to improving dental and oral health within their communities.
“We were inspired by Japan’s initiative to encourage citizens to retain 20 natural teeth by the age of 80. Similarly, through LOFAT, we aim to help Indonesians, whose life expectancy averages 70 years, retain 20 healthy teeth. This is achievable through both online and offline education,” said Chusnita.
She elaborated that the team’s idea stemmed from the high prevalence of dental caries in Surabaya. “My team and I wanted to create an innovation accessible to all segments of society using the AIDA model and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as our framework,” Chusnita explained.
The campaign seeks to help Indonesians achieve a healthy life expectancy of 70 years with 20 healthy teeth. “We believe this solution tackles the problem at its core. By first fostering a positive mindset, we can ensure more effective actions follow,” she added.
Inspiring message
Reflecting on their success, Chusnita shared an uplifting message for her peers: “While you’re still in college, maximize your potential, gain as much experience as possible, and build strong networks. If you fail nine times, rise ten times. If you fail ten times, rise eleven times,” she encouraged.
This achievement reflects the team’s commitment to community health through educational innovation. Chusnita hopes their success will inspire other UNAIR students to pursue impactful projects. Find a space where you can truly grow,” she concluded.
Author: Nur Khovivatul Mukorrobah
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
