Dental group launches free oral health initiative for public

The Hong Kong Dental Association (HKDA) has announced a major public health campaign to improve dental care awareness among residents.

Starting May 24, the six-day "Oral Health Week" will provide complimentary oral examinations and consultations to all Hong Kong ID holders, addressing concerning statistics showing fewer than 60 percent of adults and only one-third of elderly citizens receive regular dental check-ups.

The initiative comes amid growing medical evidence linking poor oral hygiene to systemic health issues, including potential connections between gum disease and cognitive decline. 

During the campaign period, participating dental clinics across the city will offer free basic screenings, personalized oral health advice, and X-ray services when clinically necessary.

Meanwhile, the association also unveiled a bonus scheme for seniors, rewarding those aged 65 and above with an additional HK$500 in dental vouchers when they used at least HK$1,000 of their existing healthcare vouchers for dental treatments between May 1 and October 31 this year.

Century Tsang Hin-kei, Vice President of HKDA, said the bonus scheme is designed to encourage preventive care in alignment with the government's Primary Healthcare Blueprint.

Meanwhile, the association reported strong participation in its youth-oriented programs, with over 200 dentists currently enrolled in the "Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents." 

This network provides comprehensive coverage for student dental needs across the territory, with HKDA officials prepared to expand capacity if future demand requires additional practitioners.

(Marco Lam)