The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will start funding dental check-ups for teenagers aged 13 to 17 at private dental institutions from the first quarter of next year. The subsidy amount is HK$200, with a suggested co-payment of HK$200 from citizens.
Mr. Thomas Chan, Chairman of the Working Group and the Permanent Secretary for Health, stated in a radio program today (Dec. 10) that the total fee of HK$400 is lower than market rates. This scheme was recommended by the dental industry, and the Hong Kong Dental Association will also encourage its members to participate in social services. He is confident that there will be enough dentists involved in the program.
Chan mentioned the earlier experience of the Chronic Disease Co-Care Pilot Scheme noting that 70% of doctors set their fees at or below the suggested co-payment level. As for the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents (PDCC), the authorities will closely monitor the co-payment levels and ensure transparency by publicly disclosing the co-payment amounts, allowing citizens to make choices. If additional services are needed, such as fillings, extractions, or X-rays, these will also need to be clearly communicated.
Chan said that the School Dental Care Service (SDCS) has been quite successful, and this new initiative aims to help secondary school students develop a habit of regular dental check-ups, allowing them to choose dentists in the community.
He pointed out that any teenager aged 13 to 17 with an identity card and an Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth) can participate, receiving funding once a year.
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