Five UNY students developed an innovation in oral health care through the Student Creativity Entrepreneurship Programme (PKM-K) 2025. The product, called Covatab, is a tooth-cleanser tablet made from coconut-shell charcoal and rice-husk silica, free from sulfates, effective in removing plaque, safe for use, and environmentally friendly.

The Covatab team is led by Syifa’ul Auliya (Bachelor in Chemistry Education) with members Khairine Artantia (Chemistry), Izzah Sofiana (Accounting), Riska Damayanti (Accounting), and Novika Dinsa Fayyakun (Educational Technology). Each plays a key role: Syifa coordinating the programme, Khairine managing production and quality, Izzah handling finance, Riska designing marketing strategy, and Novika responsible for packaging design and digital promotion.

Syifa explained that the idea emerged from concern over high rates of dental health problems in Indonesia: “The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey records 82.8% of the population experiencing dental caries due to plaque build-up.” Many mainstream toothpastes do clean but contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which can cause oral irritation. The product form is a convenient black tablet that is chewed until fine in the mouth, then the teeth are brushed without additional toothpaste. The combination of active charcoal from coconut shell and natural silica from rice husk is claimed to remove plaque, reduce bad breath, and brighten teeth without damaging enamel. “The product is easy to carry, heat-resistant, and has a longer shelf-life due to its low moisture content,” said Khairine.

Moreover, Covatab utilises local agricultural waste and empowers farmers in Sleman and Bantul, thus supporting local economy while preserving the environment. On the business side, the team initially targets production of 450 packs for 1,350 users in the first year, priced at Rp22,900 per unit. The marketing strategy combines offline through health bazaars, student cooperatives, pharmacies and local partners; and online via social media with the campaign #COVATABChallenge. Packaging design is ergonomic: a flip-top tube bottle with a QR Code that carries product information, usage tutorial, and dental-health tips.

Novika emphasised that Covatab is not just about cleaning teeth but also building a healthy lifestyle and care for the environment. “This innovation is proof that UNY Berdampak works: student-creations delivering direct benefit to society, the environment, and local economic empowerment,” she explained. Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta Looking ahead, the team plans to manage regulatory certification from BPOM, add flavour variants, expand market and increase production capacity. They believe creativity, science and social concern can synergise to deliver real and useful solutions for society.