Jakarta – The Free Health Check (CKG) Program is considered a strategic step by the government to strengthen quality healthcare services, particularly through early detection of dental and oral health problems in children. This effort is considered crucial considering the high rate of cavities in children, which can impact growth and development, concentration in learning, and even a child’s quality of life in the future.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that early health checks are key to preventing more serious health problems later in life, including children’s dental health.
“Through CKG, children can receive health checks more easily, so problems like cavities can be detected and treated more quickly,” said Budi.
He explained that dental health is often taken for granted, yet cavities can lead to infections, eating disorders, and even lower a child’s self-confidence. Therefore, the government continues to promote dental health education and expand access to checkups through various health facilities.
Echoing this sentiment, Usman Sumantri, Chairman of the Indonesian Dentists Association (PDGI), believes that early detection is crucial because most cases of cavities in children are only discovered after they cause pain.
“If checked early, treatment can be simpler and the child won’t experience severe pain or infection,” he said.
According to Usman, the habit of consuming sweet foods, a lack of education on proper tooth brushing, and a lack of regular checkups are the main factors contributing to the high number of cavities in children. He also commended the CKG program, which he believes can raise public awareness about the importance of dental health from an early age.
Meanwhile, Hasbullah Thabrany, a Public Health Observer from the University of Indonesia, believes that the success of early detection programs depends not only on examination services but also on support from families and the school environment. He believes that dental health education needs to be carried out continuously so that children get used to maintaining good oral hygiene from an early age.
“Prevention is much cheaper and more effective than treatment. Therefore, regular checkups and education must go hand in hand,” he explained.
He added that untreated dental health problems can impact children’s academic productivity because pain and discomfort can interfere with concentration at school. In the long term, these conditions can also affect the overall health status of the community.
The government continues to expand the scope of the CKG program in various regions by involving community health centers, schools, and health workers to ensure children receive accessible check-ups. The program is expected to foster a culture of regular health check-ups while improving the health of Indonesia’s young generation.