Earlier this week, six foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong were arrested for allegedly operating an unlicensed dental clinic in Sham Shui Po, highlighting the urgent need for affordable dental services among migrant workers in the city.
The six women, aged between 34 and 60, all from the Philippines, were accused of operating an illegal clinic in a tenement building.
Authorities said two of them were unqualified dentists, while the others assisted with procedures such as teeth cleaning, orthodontics, and denture fabrication. Investigators revealed that the suspects relied on online videos to learn dental techniques, as none of them had formal training or qualifications.
Hong Kong has approximately 370,000 foreign domestic workers, and access to adequate health insurance has long been a concern for unions and non-governmental organizations. Advocates say the case highlights the lack of affordable dental services for these workers.
“Domestic workers really need affordable and convenient dental care,” said An An, secretary-general of the Asian Migrant Coordinating Agency.
She noted that many domestic workers struggle with limited employer-provided insurance and often have to pay for medical and dental expenses out of their own pockets. Many are even unsure whether their insurance covers dental treatment.
Existing regulations require employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance, and standard employment contracts also stipulate the cost of emergency dental treatment. However, there is no requirement for employers to provide comprehensive coverage.
NGOs argue that the lack of a clear definition of “emergency dental care” leaves many workers operating in a gray area.
Rachel Li, a case manager and researcher at the nonprofit Migrant Aid, said her organization works with a small number of private dentists to provide subsidized services to domestic workers, but this is not a sustainable, citywide solution.
She added that access to dental services is already limited for low-income residents in Hong Kong, forcing many workers to wait until they return home to receive treatment.
High costs exacerbate the problem: root canal treatment at government-subsidized dental hospitals costs between HK$6,600 and HK$25,000 (US$850 to US$3,200), far exceeding the minimum wage of HK$4,990 per month for domestic workers. Government dental clinics only provide basic services such as tooth extractions and pain relief, not fillings or cleanings.
Legislative Council member Kong Connie suggested that Hong Kong follow Singapore’s system and require employers to purchase comprehensive health insurance for domestic workers, including dental care.
In Singapore, employers must cover all necessary medical and dental treatment costs and purchase accident and medical insurance for domestic workers, with annual coverage of up to HK$60,000.
“Such a policy would not only protect domestic workers but also prevent employers from bearing unexpected expenses,” Kong said.