Local dental graduates to start internship in Apr with assessment period for non-local dentists

The provisions on provisional registration, internship and period of assessment of local dental graduates in the Dentists Registration Ordinance will take effect on April 1, the government announced on Thursday. 

By April 1, local dental graduates must complete an internship with provisional registration; while non-locally trained dentists who passed the licensing exam of the Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) will also need to undergo assessment with provisional registration, before obtaining full registration. 

Interns and assessees will work under contract in various service units, including school, emergency, hospital, community and general dental services under the guidance of experienced dentists. 

Upon successful completion, practicing dentists will be awarded a certificate of experience, allowing for full registration. 

With the provisions coming into effect on April 1, the DCHK and the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong will have time to prepare for this transition, ensuring a smooth process for local graduates this summer.

The arrangement aims to enrich the clinical experience of local dental graduates and non-locally trained dentists, thereby better protecting citizens utilizing dental services.

Additionally, non-locally trained dentists who have served in specified institutions for at least five years may apply for full registration without undergoing an assessment, provided they pass the required parts of the DCHK's licensing exam.