Hongkongers could face eligibility tests for dental treatment at public clinics
Authorities will also offer free check-ups for preschoolers and affordable services for adolescents
Hong Kong residents seeking services at public dental clinics may have to undergo eligibility tests before consultations, authorities have said, as they unveiled new measures to improve the city’s oral health and focus resources on the needy.
Services at private dental clinics will also be subsidised for adolescents under a programme that will be launched early next year, with costs set to be as low as HK$200 (US$26), according to recommendations released by the government’s Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care on Friday.
The group, set up in 2022 and chaired by Permanent Secretary for Health Thomas Chan Chung-ching, highlighted the importance of prevention in the city’s oral health strategy.
Chan said the group suggested that residents among all age groups should be offered prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare, with underprivileged groups receiving essential dental care services.
“We suggest the government reverse the oral health and dental care system’s tendencies of emphasising treatment over prevention to focusing on prevention, early diagnosis and early treatment,” he said.
Addressing public concerns over long queues for public dental services amid a manpower crunch, the working group revealed the government was considering introducing an eligibility test for people seeking treatment to focus the services on those who were financially in need.
