The Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) announced today that the DH’s Hospital Dental Service (HDS) will be integrated with the HA’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Service starting February 6, 2026.
The move is part of ongoing healthcare reforms outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, aimed at clarifying the roles of the DH, HA, and Primary Healthcare Commission.
Under the new arrangement, the DH will focus on public health, regulatory, and enforcement duties, while clinical services, including HDS, are gradually transitioning to the HA. This follows the earlier transfer of the DH’s Clinical Genetic Service to the HA.
The seven OMS and Dental Clinics (OMS&DCs) currently managed by the DH are located within HA hospitals, including Queen Mary, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Margaret, Tuen Mun, Prince of Wales, and North District hospitals.
These clinics primarily serve inpatients, patients with special oral healthcare needs, and dental emergencies. They will remain at their current locations and integrate with HA’s existing OMS services in six public hospitals, aiming to streamline and enhance service delivery.
To ensure continuity of care, all patient records—including appointment schedules, clinical notes, X-rays, photos, and dental casts—for appointments on or after February 6, 2026, will be transferred to the HA.
Those who opt out will have their appointments from February 6 onwards cancelled. Future consultations at HA facilities will require new referral letters and fees. Records not transferred will be securely destroyed by the DH following its record management policy.