NERS NEWS — Nursing Professional Education students from Universitas Airlangga, Wave 2, Groups 1, 2, and 3, Community and Family Nursing Rotation, working in the area of Kalijudan Community Health Center, conducted a health promotion activity entitled “SIPUT: Brush Your Teeth and Care for Your Mouth for a Healthy Smile among Schoolchildren” on Friday (September 11) at the Thoriqul Jannah Mosque TPQ, RW 07, Dukuh Sutorejo. The activity, held from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB), targeted school-age children at the Thoriqul Jannah Mosque TPQ. A total of 36 children participated and actively engaged throughout the educational session.
During the activity, the students provided education on the importance of maintaining oral and dental health, the benefits of maintaining oral and dental hygiene, and various problems that may arise when proper hygiene is not maintained, including dental caries. Participants were also introduced to the recommended timing and frequency of tooth brushing, as well as proper tooth-brushing techniques. The materials were delivered using simple language adapted to the participants’ age.
The activity began with an opening session and a pre-test consisting of several simple questions to assess the participants’ initial knowledge. The educational materials were then delivered interactively through a question-and-answer session. Participants were given opportunities to answer questions and share their daily habits in maintaining oral and dental hygiene.
After the presentation, the activity continued with a demonstration of proper tooth-brushing techniques using teaching aids and equipment that had been prepared. Participants were then given the opportunity to practice proper tooth brushing directly by following the instructions provided. Several participants took turns demonstrating the tooth-brushing movements, allowing the activity to go beyond simply delivering information and providing children with hands-on experience in practicing proper oral and dental hygiene.
The participants’ enthusiasm was evident throughout the activity. The children followed the presentation attentively and showed excitement when given the opportunity to practice directly. At the end of the activity, participants completed a post-test consisting of simple questions based on the material presented. The evaluation results showed that participants were able to explain how to maintain oral and dental health and demonstrate proper tooth-brushing techniques.
The SIPUT activity represented one form of the nursing students’ role in promoting health within the community, particularly among school-age children. Providing education on oral and dental hygiene from school age is expected to help children develop regular tooth-brushing habits and maintain good oral and dental health in their daily lives. This activity also supported the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being, through promotive and preventive efforts to improve children’s health.
Writer: Alfirizqika Nabila
