The Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) announced today (December 15) that the Hospital Dental Service (HDS) currently managed by the DH will be integrated into the HA starting February 6, 2026. Under the new arrangement, the HA will take over the management and provision of the service.
This move is part of the government’s ongoing healthcare reforms, as outlined in The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address.
The reforms aim to clarify the roles and responsibilities of key health organizations, including the DH, HA, and the Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission). The DH will concentrate on public health, regulation, and enforcement.
Meanwhile, clinical services previously under the DH are gradually being transferred to the HA or the PHC Commission to improve efficiency and patient care.
Following the earlier transfer of the DH’s Clinical Genetic Service to the HA, the Hospital Dental Service is the next major clinical service to join the HA. Starting February next year, the HA will oversee the operation of all seven Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinics (OMS&DCs) currently under the DH. These clinics are located within public hospitals managed by the HA and provide specialist oral maxillofacial surgery and dental care for a variety of patients, including hospital in-patients, individuals with special oral health needs, and those requiring urgent dental attention.
The seven clinics involved in the integration are located at:
- Queen Mary Hospital
- Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital
- Princess Margaret Hospital
- Tuen Mun Hospital
- Prince of Wales Hospital
- North District Hospital
Under the new structure, these clinics will continue to operate at their current locations. They will also integrate with existing Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery services at six other public hospitals run by the HA. This integration is expected to streamline service delivery, reduce duplication, and optimize resource use.
The HA emphasized that patients will experience minimal disruption during the transition. All staff, facilities, and clinical programs will remain in place, ensuring continuity of care. The HA also plans to enhance collaboration among dental specialists and hospital teams, which could improve treatment efficiency and patient outcomes.
Officials noted that the merger reflects a broader strategy to modernize Hong Kong’s healthcare system. By consolidating clinical services under the HA, the government aims to create a more cohesive and responsive hospital network. The reform is also expected to free the DH to focus on public health initiatives and regulatory oversight, strengthening the overall healthcare framework.
Both the DH and HA reaffirmed their commitment to high-quality patient care. Patients currently using the Hospital Dental Service can expect the same level of care, with improved coordination and access to specialized dental treatment across the public hospital system.