HONG KONG, May 26 — The Department of Health (DH) has officially launched the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP), a new initiative aimed at improving access to dental care for underprivileged residents across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
The CDSP provides government-subsidised dental services for people with financial difficulties and is expected to serve at least twice as many individuals as the current public dental clinic quotas—reaching about 40,000 participants annually.
A total of 32 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have joined the program, operating nearly 80 dental service points citywide. These clinics are set up to make dental services more accessible in every district.
Eligibility and Services
To qualify for the CDSP, participants must:
- Hold a Hong Kong identity card,
- Be enrolled in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth),
And be current recipients of one of the following government welfare schemes:
- Old Age Living Allowance (OALA),
- Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly (Level 2 co-payment),
- Integrated Home Care Services (Frail Cases), Enhanced Home and Community Care Services, or Home Support Services (Level 1 or 2 fees),
Hospital Authority (HA) Medical Fee Waiver (full or partial).
Each eligible person can access subsidised dental care once every 180 days. Services covered under the program include:
- Oral health assessments,
- Pain relief medication (if needed),
- X-ray examinations,
- Dental fillings or extractions (each tooth counts as one “treatment quota”).
Costs and Subsidies
Patients must pay an administration fee of HK$50 per treated tooth, up to a maximum of HK$150 (for three teeth every 180 days). However, for those receiving the most comprehensive support—such as frail elderly patients or those with full fee waivers—the government will cover this fee in full.
Additionally, individuals receiving Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) can apply for CDSP services. They also remain eligible for CSSA dental grants, which cover broader and more comprehensive dental care if needed.
Expanding Access, Improving Care
The DH said the CDSP aims to address the long-standing issue of limited dental resources for low-income groups. With nearly 80 service points and the involvement of numerous NGOs, the government hopes to ensure that essential oral health services are more readily available to the people who need them most.
