Hong Kong’s health authorities are set to launch an innovative programme aimed at enhancing dental care services for underprivileged groups. In collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the programme will offer nearly 40,000 dental service quotas annually—double the current capacity at public dental clinics.
The Department of Health revealed on Tuesday that, starting next month, appointments at public dental clinics will increase by almost 30 percent to meet the growing demand for services.
Dr. Kitty Hse Mei-yin, the department’s consultant overseeing dental services, announced the launch of the Community Dental Support Programme, which will provide essential dental treatments such as check-ups, pain relief medication, X-ray scans, fillings, and extractions at 77 service locations across the city. The programme is set to begin on May 26.
“We aim to provide more effective and accessible dental support to the underprivileged,” Dr. Hse said. “This initiative will significantly increase access to dental services, with 40,000 quotas—double the number currently available in public clinics.”
The programme is designed to assist individuals from vulnerable communities facing financial hardships. Eligibility extends to Hong Kong identity card holders enrolled in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System, as well as recipients of specific social welfare schemes managed by the Social Welfare Department or individuals with medical fee waivers from the Hospital Authority.
Residents interested in the programme can apply every 180 days. After an assessment by a dentist to determine eligibility, participants will be eligible for services, including three quotas for fillings or extractions. Each tooth treated will count as one quota. The service charge is HK$50 (US$6) per quota, but those under specific government assistance schemes will be exempt from this fee.
Participants can apply directly at participating dental clinics or seek assistance from a social worker to verify their eligibility. To ensure timely service, the department requires that treatments be provided within one month of registration.
Currently, Hong Kong has 11 government-run dental clinics offering free emergency dental services such as tooth extractions and pain relief, though these clinics are only open to the general public once or twice a week. There have been complaints about the limited access to these facilities, which only offer emergency procedures and exclude general dental care or fillings.
Sharon Lee Siu-man, the department’s consultant dental surgeon, expressed confidence that the HK$50 fee would not deter people from seeking treatment. “Our goal is to encourage people to take better care of their teeth and avoid relying solely on extractions,” she explained. “We also want to provide residents with more time to learn proper dental care techniques.”
In addition to the new programme, authorities have announced a 30 percent increase in the number of appointments available at nine public dental clinics, expanding from the current 20,000 to between 24,000 and 26,000 appointments starting June 1. Over 65 dentists have joined the clinics since last year, including nine who were trained abroad and hired under the limited registration scheme. This has raised the staffing ratio from 69 percent last September to 81 percent.
The department has also streamlined the registration process for public dental services and enhanced the system for making and adjusting appointments.
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