DH to implement Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents on Mar 20

The Department of Health (DH) announced on Thursday that the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents (PDCC) will commence on March 20. 

This initiative, funded by the government with a co-payment system, encourages adolescents to engage with private dental services for regular oral check-ups.

Approximately 200 registered dentists across 220 healthcare locations have joined the PDCC, with more than half offering a co-payment of HK$200 or less. The scheme, highlighted in the 2023 Policy Address, is set to launch in 2025 to combat dental diseases among adolescents.

The PDCC was recommended in a report by the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, which advocated for prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare for all age groups. The scheme aims to integrate with the School Dental Care Service, subsidizing adolescents to foster long-term relationships with private dentists and maintain regular dental check-ups.

Eligibility for the pilot includes adolescents aged 13 to 17, or those turning 13 within the application year, who possess a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and are registered with the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth). 

Participants can receive subsidized services once annually, with the government covering HK$200 per service. The co-payment, set by the dentist at the time of joining, is suggested to be HK$200.

Services under the PDCC include oral examinations, risk assessments, teeth cleaning, personalized oral care advice, fluoride treatments based on risk, and a report on the examination results.

The DH conducted its first online briefing for dentists on February 4, detailing the program’s background, content, and registration procedures. More sessions are planned to encourage dentist participation.

Applications from dentists are being processed, and those accepted will be listed on the pilot program's webpage by March 6. This list will include co-payment amounts and fees for additional services like X-rays, fillings, and extractions, enhancing fee transparency.

Starting March 6, interested adolescents and their parents can consult the list of participating dentists on the program's webpage, select a dentist, and book appointments for subsidized services beginning March 20.