Hong Kong’s Department of Health (DH) has invited organisations to submit proposals to participate in a new outreach dental care initiative for pre-school children, set to launch on September 1.
In a statement issued on March 16, the department said the Outreach Oral Health Programme for Pre-school Children (OOHP) will provide oral health services to students in all kindergartens across the city. Interested organisations must submit their service proposals by 9.30am on April 20.
To qualify for participation, organisations must meet several requirements. They must be listed in Schedule 4 or Schedule 5 of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) by the application deadline. Applicants must also operate at least one clinic offering dental services to the public and employ at least one registered dentist.
In addition, organisations are required to employ at least one enrolled dental hygienist or dental surgery assistant and be registered as a healthcare provider in the eHealth system before the submission deadline.
The government said the programme aligns with oral health policy recommendations from the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care. The strategy focuses on promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare across all age groups while providing essential dental services to underprivileged communities.
Under the programme, kindergarten students will receive free on-site oral screenings, oral health risk assessments and fluoride applications where appropriate. Participating organisations will also provide parents with oral health reports and personalised oral care advice for their children.
The initiative will include oral health talks for kindergarten teaching staff to help strengthen awareness of dental hygiene in early childhood settings.
The Department of Health said it will send letters to all kindergartens to introduce the programme and help coordinate arrangements between schools and participating organisations ahead of the new academic year.
Application documents can be obtained from the DH’s Community Dental Service office in Kowloon Bay or requested by email. Completed applications must be submitted to the Community Dental Service office by the April 20 deadline, and late submissions will not be accepted.
The department noted that the programme is part of broader efforts to improve public oral health. Last year, it launched the Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, targeting people aged 13 to 17, as well as the Community Dental Support Programme, which provides services to financially disadvantaged groups, including the homeless.
Authorities said these initiatives aim to encourage better oral hygiene habits, improve long-term dental health and support overall well-being.