The Department of Health officially launched its “Community Dental Support Program” today, May 26. The program aims to increase government-subsidized dental services for disadvantaged communities facing financial difficulties.
It is expected to double the current capacity of government dental clinics, offering services to about 40,000 people annually. So far, 32 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have joined the program. Together, they operate nearly 80 dental service points across 18 districts in Hong Kong.
Who Can Join?
To participate, individuals must:
- Hold a Hong Kong identity card
- Be registered with the eHealth system
Be beneficiaries of one of the following support schemes:
- Old Age Living Allowance from the Social Welfare Department
- Elderly Community Care Service Voucher Scheme (second level co-payment)
- Integrated Home Care Service for frail cases, Enhanced Home and Community Care Service, or Home Support Service (first or second level of charges/co-payment)
- Patients of the Hospital Authority eligible for medical fee reductions (full or partial) under the Medical Fee Reduction Mechanism
What Services Are Covered?
Each participant can apply for subsidized dental services once every 180 days. After an assessment by a registered dentist, eligible services include:
- Oral examination
- Medication for tooth pain (if needed)
- X-ray examination
- Filling or extraction treatments (each tooth counts as one treatment quota)
Costs and Subsidies
Participants pay an administrative fee of $50 per tooth treated (filling or extraction), with a maximum of three teeth treated per visit, totaling up to $150. However, the government will cover this fee fully for:
- Participants using Integrated Home Care Service (frail cases), Enhanced Home and Community Care Service, or Home Support Service (Tier 1 charge or co-payment level)
- Hospital Authority patients who have full exemption under the Medical Fee Waiver Mechanism, including Old Age Living Allowance recipients aged 75 or older
Those receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance can use this program alongside their dental treatment fee subsidy for more extensive dental care.
