Integration of Hospital Dental Service of Department of Health into Hospital Authority
The Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) today (December 15) announced that the Hospital Dental Service (HDS) currently provided by the DH will be integrated with the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Service under the HA from February 6, 2026, and the service will be taken up by the HA.
As outlined in "The Chief Executive's 2024 Policy Address", a comprehensive review of the positioning and objectives of the healthcare system is under way, involving reforms of the functions and division of responsibilities among the HA, the DH and the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission). The DH will focus on its public health functions and executing its regulatory and enforcement roles. To implement this policy direction, the clinical services of the DH are being gradually integrated with either the HA or the PHC Commission.
Following the earlier transfer of the DH's Clinical Genetic Service to the HA, the DH's HDS will be managed by the HA startingFebruary 6next year. In fact, the seven Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinics (OMS&DCs) under the DH's HDS are all located within the following HA public hospitals, primarily providing specialist oral maxillofacial surgery and dental treatment for hospital in-patients, patients with special oral healthcare needs, and dental emergencies:
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital;
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital;
- Princess Margaret Hospital;
- Prince of Wales Hospital; and
These clinics will continue to operate at the original sites and integrate with the existing OMS service in six public hospitals provided by the HA. This will help further streamline and optimise the overall service delivery.
To ensure continuity in patient care upon the transfer of service, all scheduled/follow-up appointment records for patients at the aforementioned seven OMS&DCs for dates on or afterFebruary 6, 2026, along with the cases and relevant medical records stored at these clinics, including clinical records, X-ray records, clinical photos, and dental casts, will be transferred to the HA. If patients/family members do not agree to have their cases and relevant medical records transferred to the HA, they should contact the DH by phone at3153 4044or by email (hds_enquiry@dh.gov.hk)on or beforeJanuary 16, 2026, to facilitate the necessary arrangements.
Patients who opt out of the arrangements should note that their follow-up appointments scheduled on or afterFebruary 6next year will be cancelled. Should they require future consultations at the HA's dental and OMS services, a new referral letter will be required for appointments, and new case consultation fees will be charged according to the HA's arrangements. Medical records that patients/family members refuse to transfer to the HA will be disposed of and destroyed by the DH in accordance with its record management policy after the service transfer. For enquiries about the arrangements, please contact the DH.
The Department of Health
The Hospital Authority, Photo by Bastille Post
HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as "super connector" of Asia and the world
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, DC, (HKETO, Washington, DC), hosted on June 11 (Washington time) a briefing on Hong Kong's role as a "super connector" of Asia and the world.
Aimed at recent graduates and interns, the briefing, titled "Hong Kong: 'Super-connector' of Asia and the World", was co-organised with the US-Asia Institute for college students and recent graduates interning or working at various organisations in Washington, DC.
The Director of the HKETO, Washington DC, Ms Elania Luk, provided a comprehensive overview of Hong Kong's development. "Youths today are leaders of tomorrow. Through today's event, we hope to help participants gain an understanding about Hong Kong's unique position and value proposition, which will hopefully come in handy in their future career development," said Ms Luk.
"Dating back from our humble beginnings as a fishing village in the 1800s, Hong Kong is no stranger to international trade. Hong Kong has long played a pivotal role connecting Asia and the world," said Ms Luk. "With unique advantages such as a free economy, unparalleled access to the Chinese Mainland market, connectivity with Asia and the world, free flow of capital and information, a simple tax regime, and common law system, Hong Kong has long welcomed the international community to leverage our city as a platform for trade and business development."
Ms Luk also shared Hong Kong's prominent position as an international centre for finance, trade, maritime transportation, aviation, dispute resolution, regional intellectual property trading, East-meets-West international cultural exchanges, and innovation and technology. She also introduced Hong Kong movies, Cantopop music, and food culture.
"We welcome friends from all over the world to experience Hong Kong's vibrant atmosphere," said Ms Luk. Ms Luk also encouraged attendees to consider Hong Kong as a way to accelerate their continued education and career trajectories. She highlighted that Hong Kong is home to five of the world's top 100 universities and that the Hong Kong Government has introduced a series of initiatives to attract and support quality overseas talent.
Following Ms Luk's remarks, Senior Analyst at The Eurasia Group Mr Dominic Chiu spoke on United States-China relations and the implications to business environments across Asia, including in Hong Kong.
Attendees also viewed an exhibition of curated paintings under the theme of "Blossoming Hong Kong". The paintings were commissioned by the Social Welfare Department under the Arts Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with various non-governmental organisations. The commissioning of the paintings illustrates Hong Kong's efforts to unleash the potential of persons with disabilities in artistic activities and spotlight their contributions to society.
HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as "super connector" of Asia and the world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as "super connector" of Asia and the world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as "super connector" of Asia and the world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as "super connector" of Asia and the world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Washington DC promotes Hong Kong as "super connector" of Asia and the world Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
