Hong Kong is set to launch an online registration system for government dental services on December 30, aiming to eliminate long queues and improve access, particularly for senior citizens. The move comes after adjustments to the quota allocation time in August, which inadvertently increased difficulties for some patients seeking appointments.
The new system will allow users to register online daily from 9:30 am for appointments the following day. Quotas for general public sessions will be assigned via a computerized ballot, with half prioritized for individuals aged 65 and above. This addresses concerns raised by many elderly citizens who found the previous on-site queuing system uncomfortable.
Recognizing that some seniors may initially struggle with online registration, the Department of Health has proactively engaged district health-care center officers, district councillors, and care-team members across all 18 districts to provide assistance. This support network will guide elderly residents through the online process, ensuring they can access the much-needed dental services.
Successful registrants will receive SMS confirmation detailing their appointment time and clinic location. They can also verify their ballot results online after 12:30 pm on the registration day. The Department of Health will publish a list of participating dental clinics on its website and operate a hotline for phone appointments, further enhancing accessibility. Users are encouraged to check for unallocated quotas, which may become available.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance dental care accessibility in Hong Kong. Permanent Secretary for Health, Thomas Chan Chung-ching, announced the upcoming launch of a community dental support program in the second quarter of next year. This program will cater to at least 40,000 financially disadvantaged individuals, providing both emergency and preventative services, including checkups, extractions, and fillings. This complements the existing general public sessions, which primarily focus on emergency care.
The community dental support program will collaborate with NGOs to reach underprivileged and homeless populations. Chan also expressed confidence in securing sufficient dentist participation in the primary dental co-care scheme for adolescents, thanks to the support of the Dental Association. This scheme offers a HK$200 government subsidy per student, with patients contributing HK$400 per visit, encouraging regular oral examinations for secondary school students. The subsidy will cover one annual visit, promoting proactive dental health management among young people.