The Department of Health (DH) will roll out a new Outreach Oral Health Programme for Pre-school Children (OOHP) starting September 1, 2026, aiming to provide comprehensive oral health services to pre-schoolers across Hong Kong kindergartens.
Today (March 16), the DH invited eligible organisations to submit proposals to participate in the programme. The deadline for submissions is 9:30 a.m. on April 20, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
Participating organisations must meet the following criteria:
Be listed in Schedule 4 or Schedule 5 of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) by the application deadline.
Operate at least one clinic serving the public and employ at least one registered dentist by the application deadline.
Employ at least one enrolled dental hygienist or dental surgery assistant by the application deadline.
Be registered as a healthcare provider in eHealth by the application deadline.
Focus on Early Oral Health
The DH emphasises that oral healthcare during early childhood is crucial. Healthy habits formed in pre-school years can help children maintain lifelong oral and overall health. The OOHP forms a key part of the government’s strategy to develop community-wide preventive primary oral healthcare, particularly for underprivileged groups.
Through the programme, kindergarten students will receive:
- Free on-site oral screenings
- Oral health risk assessments
- Fluoride applications, where appropriate
- Individualised oral care advice and oral health reports for parents
Participating organisations will also provide oral health talks for kindergarten teaching staff. To support implementation, the DH will send letters to all kindergartens introducing the programme and facilitating arrangements for student participation in the new school year.
Application Details
Proposal evaluation will follow the criteria outlined in the DH’s invitation documents. Interested organisations can obtain these documents from the DH’s Community Dental Service, Unit 01-P03, P08-09, 26/F, One Kowloon, 1 Wang Yuen Street, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, or via email at [email protected].
Ongoing Oral Health Initiatives
Last year, the DH launched several oral health programmes, including:
- The Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, targeting ages 13 to 17
- The Community Dental Support Programme, providing services to underprivileged groups, including the homeless
These initiatives aim to encourage improved oral hygiene habits, preserve natural teeth, and promote overall health and well-being.