Hong Kong health authorities will launch a programme in collaboration with non-governmental organisations to provide nearly 40,000 quota slots for dental services for underprivileged groups annually, double the current availability at public clinics.
The Department of Health also said on Tuesday that appointments at public dental clinics would increase by almost 30 per cent from next month to address the significant demand for these services among residents.
Dr Kitty Hse Mei-yin, the consultant in charge of the department’s dental services, said that the Community Dental Support Programme would offer check-ups, pain relief medication, X-ray scans, fillings and extractions to eligible individuals at 77 service locations across the city, starting from May 26.
“We wish to use a newer and better approach to provide help to underprivileged people,” she said.
“The newly launched programme will provide around 40,000 quota [slots], which is double that of public dental clinics.
“Thus, we hope people who are in need, especially those from vulnerable communities facing financial difficulties, except from using public dental clinics, can use the programme’s services.”
