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Hong Kong Marks 80 Years of Public Dental Services with Symposium on Future Development
Health authorities and international experts gather to discuss oral health strategy and new initiatives in preventive care
The Department of Health in Hong Kong hosted a symposium titled "A New Era for Dental Services in Hong Kong" on June 14 to mark the 80th anniversary of its Dental Services.
Held at the Auditorium of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the event brought together local and international dental professionals to explore policy directions, promote oral health, and support the sustainable development of dental services in the city.
Attendees included the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; incumbent Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services, Dr Kitty Hse; and four former Consultants in-charge of the Dental Services.
International speakers included Professor Hiroshi Ogawa, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science; Professor Zheng Shuguo of Peking University; and Dr Navdeep Kumar of University College London.
A video message was also delivered by Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization.
In his address, Professor Lo highlighted recent government initiatives aimed at shifting the city's dental care focus from treatment to prevention.
These include the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents launched in March 2025 and the Community Dental Support Programme for underprivileged groups introduced in May 2025. Both initiatives promote early identification and timely intervention for dental conditions.
Dr Lam reviewed the development of public dental services since 1945, noting milestones such as the introduction of fluoridated drinking water in 1961 and the launch of the School Dental Care Service in 1980, which offers prevention-focused dental care to all primary school students.
He emphasized ongoing efforts to implement the Oral Health Action Plan through policy innovation, technology adoption, and community collaboration.
Keynote presentations addressed global and regional strategies, including the WHO Global Strategy on Oral Health for 2023 to 2030, developments in preventive dentistry on the Mainland, and approaches to dental care for adults with special needs.
Sixteen non-governmental organisations and service partners attended the symposium to share outcomes from government-subsidised programmes such as the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly, the Healthy Teeth Collaboration, and the Special Oral Care Service.
These programmes target vulnerable populations including the elderly and individuals with special healthcare needs.
As part of the anniversary campaign, the Department of Health's Bright Smiles Mobile Classroom—decorated with a commemorative theme—will tour across various districts to promote oral health education.
Further details are expected to be released via the “愛牙 Love Teeth HK” Facebook page.
Held at the Auditorium of the Hong Kong Palace Museum, the event brought together local and international dental professionals to explore policy directions, promote oral health, and support the sustainable development of dental services in the city.
Attendees included the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau; Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam; incumbent Consultant in-charge of the Dental Services, Dr Kitty Hse; and four former Consultants in-charge of the Dental Services.
International speakers included Professor Hiroshi Ogawa, Director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Translation of Oral Health Science; Professor Zheng Shuguo of Peking University; and Dr Navdeep Kumar of University College London.
A video message was also delivered by Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala, Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization.
In his address, Professor Lo highlighted recent government initiatives aimed at shifting the city's dental care focus from treatment to prevention.
These include the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents launched in March 2025 and the Community Dental Support Programme for underprivileged groups introduced in May 2025. Both initiatives promote early identification and timely intervention for dental conditions.
Dr Lam reviewed the development of public dental services since 1945, noting milestones such as the introduction of fluoridated drinking water in 1961 and the launch of the School Dental Care Service in 1980, which offers prevention-focused dental care to all primary school students.
He emphasized ongoing efforts to implement the Oral Health Action Plan through policy innovation, technology adoption, and community collaboration.
Keynote presentations addressed global and regional strategies, including the WHO Global Strategy on Oral Health for 2023 to 2030, developments in preventive dentistry on the Mainland, and approaches to dental care for adults with special needs.
Sixteen non-governmental organisations and service partners attended the symposium to share outcomes from government-subsidised programmes such as the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly, the Healthy Teeth Collaboration, and the Special Oral Care Service.
These programmes target vulnerable populations including the elderly and individuals with special healthcare needs.
As part of the anniversary campaign, the Department of Health's Bright Smiles Mobile Classroom—decorated with a commemorative theme—will tour across various districts to promote oral health education.
Further details are expected to be released via the “愛牙 Love Teeth HK” Facebook page.
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