Selangor, Malaysia “ From January 15 to 17, 2025, students from the Faculty of Dentistry at Airlangga University (Unair) embarked on an enriching international collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Malaysia as part of a 10-day community service and academic program. The initiative aimed to enhance the students’ practical skills, cultural exchange, and engagement in healthcare services.
Day 1: Warm Welcome and Campus Tour
The journey began with a warm welcome from UiTM’s Faculty of Dentistry, led by Prof. Dr. Mas Suryalis Ahmad and Dr. Amina Faizura. The students were introduced to the university™s advanced dental education facilities through a comprehensive campus tour. They explored academic buildings, laboratories, and classrooms while engaging in insightful discussions with UiTM students, fostering connections and exchanging experiences. The day concluded with a delightful lunch featuring local cuisine, solidifying bonds between participants from both institutions.
Day 2: Community Service at Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (Yawas)
The second day was dedicated to a meaningful community service program at Yayasan Warisan Anak Selangor (Yawas). Under the leadership of Dr. Aminda and Dr. Ilham, Unair and UiTM students provided dental education and check-ups for children with special needs. The program aimed to raise awareness about oral health while offering practical dental care to children who require special attention.
The event began with an engaging educational session for children, parents, and caregivers. The dental students demonstrated proper brushing techniques using interactive visual aids, dental models, and entertaining puppet shows. The inclusion of fun songs and storytelling made the learning process enjoyable, ensuring that the children grasped the importance of maintaining oral hygiene.
Following the education session, the students conducted individual dental check-ups. Special attention was given to children with autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome, as they often face unique challenges in maintaining oral health. The dental professionals adopted patient-centered approaches, such as using visual schedules and sensory-friendly techniques to ensure the children felt comfortable throughout the process. Every child received a personalized dental assessment, and caregivers were given practical advice on how to assist their children in maintaining oral health.
This initiative was not only beneficial for the children and their families but also provided Unair and UiTM students with firsthand experience in handling patients with special needs. The experience deepened their understanding of tailored dental care approaches and reinforced the importance of patience, empathy, and adaptability in dental practice.
After completing the community service, the students embarked on an educational excursion to the Museum of Medicine. This visit enriched their knowledge about the evolution of medical science, allowing them to explore early medical tools, historical treatments, and groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. The day concluded with hands-on laboratory sessions where students practiced essential medical procedures such as measuring blood pressure, testing blood glucose levels, assessing medications, and performing Gram staining for bacterial identification. These activities reinforced their medical knowledge and practical skills, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.
Day 3: Basic Life Support (BLS) Workshop
On the third day, Unair students participated in a Basic Life Support (BLS) workshop at UiTM. Guided by experienced instructors, they practiced life-saving techniques such as CPR for various age groups and airway obstruction management through the Heimlich maneuver. The workshop strengthened their emergency response skills and emphasized the importance of quick decision-making in medical situations.
This international collaboration highlighted the significance of cross-border partnerships in medical education and community service. The combined efforts of Airlangga University and UiTM students not only enhanced their practical competencies but also strengthened academic ties between the institutions. Through hands-on learning, cultural exchange, and service-oriented initiatives, this program successfully fostered future-ready healthcare professionals equipped to tackle global challenges.
