Pepsodent Introduces AI Technology for Online Dental Consultation Services and Supports Healthy Smiles for the Indonesian National Team at BKGN 2024

Kapanlagi.com - September 12 is always commemorated as National Dental and Oral Health Day.Interestingly, coinciding with this moment, Unilever Indonesia through Pepsodent, together with the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), the Indonesian Dental Faculty Association (AFDOKGI), and the Indonesian Educational Dental and Oral Hospital Association (ARSGMPI), inaugurated the National Dental Health Month (BKGN) 2024 located at Hallf Pati Unus, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, Thursday (12/9/2024)

Now, entering its 15th year of implementation, BKGN carries the theme “Dare to Show Your Teeth for a Healthy Smile Indonesia” complemented by the online dental consultation service “Ask the Dentist by Pepsodent” enhanced with Artificial Intelligence (AI).This AI technology allows users to obtain an initial screening of dental and oral health as a basis for consultation with a dentist via chat or video call.

According to Distya Tarworo Endri, Head of Marketing Oral Care and Professional Marketing Unilever Indonesia, dental and oral health has long been a concern for Unilever Indonesia.In line with the mission of one of our brands, Pepsodent, which aims to improve dental and oral health through education and care for #Senyumlndonesia, which has so far reached 25 million people.

"As part of our commitment to protecting healthy smiles in Indonesia, we inaugurated the National Dental Health Month or BKGN.BKGN is a collaboration between Unilever Indonesia through Pepsodent, PDGI AFDOKGI, ARSGMPI, and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia to free the Indonesian people from dental and oral problems, especially cavities," said Distya at the inauguration event of National Dental Health Month 2024.

The inauguration of BKGN 2024 felt special as it was also attended by Deans and Representatives of Dental Faculties from several State Universities in Indonesia, elementary school students, and public figures.

Distya revealed that since 2010, BKGN has carried the mission to disseminate the importance of brushing teeth after meals and before bed, as well as consulting with a dentist every 6 months.

"We realize this mission through free dental check-up and treatment services at FKG and RSGMP throughout Indonesia.We also present a series of education to schools that have benefited more than 1.1 million people by 2023," she said.

Along with the implementation of BKGN, the number of people brushing their teeth at the right time has increased more than twofold, from 2.8% (Basic Health Research/Riskesdas 2018) to 6.2% (Indonesian Health Survey/SKI 2023).In addition, if in Riskesdas 2018 it was reported that 94.9% of people did not consult a dentist for 1 year, then in SKI 2023 this figure showed improvement to 91.2%.

Introducing Online Dental Consultation Service with AI Technology

Head of Professional Marketing Personal Care Unilever Indonesia, drg. Queen Mirah Afifah, GCClinDent., MDSc stated that the achievements of BKGN in encouraging the community to brush their teeth at the right time and increasing awareness to regularly consult a dentist serve as a strong foundation for Unilever to make a broader impact.

BKGN has contributed to encouraging the community to brush their teeth at the right time, as well as increasing public awareness to regularly consult a dentist at least every 6 months. This achievement serves as a strong foundation for BKGN to provide even greater benefits, inviting the community to confidently show off their healthy smiles and strong teeth for a better quality of life.

"Since 2020, BKGN has been further enhanced with the online dental consultation service 'Ask the Dentist by Pepsodent' which is easily accessible through a QR code on the Pepsodent Cavity Prevention toothpaste packaging. Supported by the expertise of thousands of dentists from PDGI, AFDOKGI, and ARSGMPI, 143,756 people have used this service," she said.

To provide a more optimal experience and benefit, Dr. Mirah stated that at BKGN 2024, Pepsodent is perfecting the online dental consultation service with AI technology.

"The AI technology service begins with the presence of Hamish Daud who greets users virtually, followed by an initial screening of dental and oral health using the AI technology 'Pepsodent AI Denta-Scan'. Armed with the results of this screening, users will be directed to consult further with available dentists via chat or video call," explained Dr. Mirah.

Pepsodent Brand Ambassador, Hamish Daud, welcomed the use of AI technology in online dental consultation services.

"I am very happy to be part of this AI-based online dental health service. It feels more personal, and its use is also very easy thanks to the detailed and complete guidance. Moreover, the Indonesian people are already very familiar with AI technology, I believe this innovation will bring its own excitement and eliminate the stigma that consulting a dentist is a scary thing," said Hamish Daud.

Not only for its users, the AI-based online dental consultation service has received positive feedback from dentists. The Secretary General of the Indonesian Dental Association, drg. Tari Tritarayati, SH.MHKes explained that the AI-based online consultation service is very beneficial in the field of dentistry as it can serve as a dental and oral health education tool, function as a screening stage, and even produce referrals for treatment to health facilities.

"For promotional and preventive activities with a massive reach like BKGN 2024, this service becomes very strategic to implement and can encourage the community, including athletes, to more regularly consult with dentists," explained drg. Tari Tritarayati.

Pepsodent Becomes the Official Oral Care Partner of the Indonesian National Football Team

In the midst of the BKGN 2024 inauguration, Pepsodent also announced its collaboration as the Official Oral Care Partner of the Indonesian National Football Team. Through various forms of support, Pepsodent will contribute to protecting the dental health of Indonesian football athletes.

“Pepsodent believes that the AI-based online dental consultation service 'Ask the Dentist by Pepsodent' can make it easier for the National Team to monitor the dental health of its players. With this service, players can better understand their dental and oral health and obtain initial screenings, which can be followed up with direct dental treatment at the dentist. To that end, in the context of BKGN 2024, we will also invite national team players to receive free dental care at the nearest FKG and RSGMP," said drg. Ratu Mirah Afifah.

Maintaining oral and dental health is very important for athletes. Prof. drg. Suryono, S.H., M.M., Ph.D, as the Chairman of AFDOKGI, revealed interesting facts about the dental health of athletes, especially football players.

"A study of 187 professional football players in England found that 37% of players had active dental caries, 53% experienced dental erosion, and 5% suffered from incurable periodontal disease. As a result, 45% felt disturbed by this condition, and 27% reported negative impacts on their quality of life or performance on the field. Therefore, their dental and oral health must always be maintained, one of which is through regular check-ups with a dentist," he explained.

Free Dental Check-up and Treatment Services

In this BKGN 2024, Pepsodent together with the Indonesian Dental Association (PDGI), the Indonesian Dental Faculty Association (AFDOKGI), and the Indonesian Educational Dental and Oral Hospital Association (ARSGMPI) provides a series of education to schools accompanied by free dental check-up and treatment services throughout Dental Faculties and Educational Dental and Oral Hospitals in Indonesia.

Dr. drg. Julita Hendrartini, M.Kes, AAK, Chair of ARSGMPI explained that online dental consultations are a first step, requiring broader access so that the community can follow up on their dental and oral health issues directly with dentists - as available through BKGN 2024.

"With a target of reaching 29,000 patients, 30 FKG and RSGMP with very adequate and nationally accredited facilities are ready to serve the community in need of follow-up actions for free, including athletes from the Indonesian National Football Team," she said.

In addition, supported by 70 PDGI Branches, BKGN 2024 will also provide education, free dental check-ups, and treatments through the School Program – including for children with special needs in inclusive schools, students from Football Schools, and orphans in various parts of Indonesia.

After being inaugurated today, BKGN 2024 will take place from September to December 2024 throughout Indonesia. drg. Mirah invites all Indonesian citizens to participate, both offline and by utilizing the online dental consultation service "Ask the Dentist by Pepsodent" based on AI.

drg. Mirah added, "Hopefully, all the facilities and services we provide can help the Indonesian people have healthier smiles and stronger teeth – free from cavities. See you at BKGN 2024, which will be held from September to December!"

(kly/tmi)