Students from the Faculty of Dentistry, Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), participated in a community program with members of the Indonesian language learning community in Hokkaido, Japan, on Sunday, August 2, 2026. The activity formed part of the Enrichment Program 2026 and provided an opportunity for students to contribute to the community through oral health education while promoting Indonesian language and culture in an international setting.
During the program, the students delivered a short presentation on oral health, highlighting the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums and developing good oral hygiene habits. The session introduced participants to the significance of daily oral care and simple preventive measures that can be incorporated into their routines. The students also conducted a demonstration of proper toothbrushing techniques, guiding participants through appropriate brushing methods and sharing practical tips for maintaining good oral hygiene. Through this interactive approach, the activity aimed to raise awareness of the importance of preventive dental care and encourage participants to adopt healthy oral hygiene practices in their daily lives.
Following the oral health education session, the activity continued with an introduction to basic Indonesian language. The students taught participants simple greetings and common expressions used in everyday conversations. The session was delivered in an engaging and interactive manner, allowing participants to practice the expressions directly and communicate with the students using the Indonesian language. The participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the activity. Their eagerness to learn Indonesian and engage in the oral health education created a warm and enjoyable atmosphere. The interaction also provided an opportunity for the students and community members to learn from one another and build meaningful connections across cultures.
Beyond its educational component, the activity served as a platform for cultural exchange and community engagement. Through introducing the Indonesian language and sharing knowledge about oral health, the students from the Faculty of Dentistry, UNHAS, were able to represent Indonesia while fostering greater understanding and interaction between Indonesian students and the local community in Japan. The community program further enriched the students’ experience during the Enrichment Program 2026. In addition to participating in academic and clinical activities at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, the students had the opportunity to engage with the community, experience Japanese culture, and explore the local environment.
This initiative is in line with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting oral hygiene education and preventive health practices, the program supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. The interactive cross-cultural learning, language instruction, and educational outreach advance SDG 4: Quality Education. Furthermore, the active collaboration between UNHAS students and the local Japanese community embodies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering international community engagement and mutual understanding.
The experience highlighted the broader value of international enrichment programs in developing students beyond academic and clinical competencies. By combining community service, health promotion, language learning, and cultural exchange, the activity provided a meaningful learning experience and contributed to the students’ development as future dental professionals with global perspectives and a strong commitment to community engagement.
