04 September 2025
Syafrijal S.Kom
The Community Service (PKM) Team from the University of North Sumatra (USU) educated students at Public Elementary School 068003, Jalan Kayu Manis 1, Mangga Village, Medan Tuntungan District, Medan. The PKM, which ran from June to November 2025, raised the theme "Health Service in 2025."
The team was led by Karina Nola Sinamo, STP, MSi, a lecturer in the Food Technology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture. The other members were drg. Veronica Angelia, MDSc, SpPros (Lecturer in the Dentistry Education Study Program, Faculty of Dentistry).
Ecia Meilonna Koka, SKM, MKes, a lecturer in the Nutrition Study Program, Faculty of Public Health, and Nur Ulina W. Sebayang, SP, M.Agr., from the Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture.
The team was also assisted by students from the Food Technology Study Program: Hanif Rizki Nurvandi, Muhammad Rafly Dwi Aqsa, Zahwa Dwi Rizkiani, and Cornelia Butar-Butar. Three Dentistry students, Siti Nurhayati, Azzahra Aulia Harda, and Tiara Nirmala Welli, also participated.
In the Community Service Program (PKM), 50 fifth and sixth grade students from SD Negeri 068003 received education about fermented foods and dental health.
"The students were introduced to fermented foods and how to properly brush and care for their teeth. We presented the material through animations to capture their attention," said Karina, Thursday (August 28, 2025).
Karina said the team also demonstrated examples of fermented foods, including tempeh chips, nata de coco, bread, and yogurt.
"Fermented foods are foods or beverages processed through fermentation, a process that uses microorganisms. This food can increase nutritional value, produce safer products with unique flavor characteristics, and extend shelf life," Karina said.
Karina also explained that the students also demonstrated proper tooth brushing techniques, led by Drg. Veronica Angelia, MDSc, SpPros. The team also provided medical equipment such as weight and height scales, examination beds, digital thermometers, and first aid kits to support the school's health center (UKS) supplies.
The principal of SD Negeri 068003, Sri Ningsihan Dania S Pd I, welcomed this initiative. Sri stated that early education is crucial for students to understand the benefits of fermented foods and to cultivate dental health habits, thus fostering healthy and fit growth.
"The school expresses its appreciation and gratitude to USU for its contribution, which is expected to improve the health of students at SD Negeri 068003 Medan," Sri said.
