HONG KONG – The Department of Health (DH) announced on May 13 the launch of the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP), a major initiative designed to improve access to dental care for underprivileged individuals. Scheduled to begin on May 26, the CDSP will complement existing dental support offered through the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme and emergency services at public dental clinics.
The new programme aims to double the current capacity of general public dental sessions, reaching an estimated 40,000 participants annually.
Wider Reach and Expanded Services
To increase accessibility, the DH invited eligible non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to participate in the programme. As of now, 32 NGOs have joined, offering nearly 80 service points across all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
Beyond basic tooth extraction and pain relief, the CDSP will also include tooth filling services, when deemed suitable by a dentist. Unlike the current public clinic model, which limits treatment to one tooth per visit, the CDSP will allow treatment of up to three teeth per session.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the CDSP, applicants must:
- Hold a Hong Kong Identity Card
- Be enrolled in the Electronic Health Record Sharing System (eHealth)
Be a current recipient of one of the following:
Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) from the Social Welfare Department
Community Care Service Voucher Scheme (Elderly, Level 2 co-payment category)
Integrated Home Care Services (Frail Cases), Enhanced Home and Community Care Services (EHCCS), or Home Support Services (HSS) (Level 1 or 2 fee category)
Medical Fee Waiver recipients under the Hospital Authority (either full or partial waiver)
CSSA recipients are also eligible and may opt to use either the CDSP or existing CSSA dental grants.
Scope of Subsidised Services
Each eligible individual may apply for subsidised dental services once every 180 days. Following an assessment by a registered dentist, the patient may receive:
- Oral health assessment
- Medication for dental pain relief (if needed)
- X-ray examination
- Tooth filling or extraction (each tooth counts as one treatment quota)
An administration fee of HK$50 per treated tooth (up to a maximum of HK$150 per visit) will apply. However, full subsidies will be available for certain groups, including:
- Recipients of IHCS (Frail Cases), EHCCS, or HSS (Level 1 fee charge)
- Individuals under the Hospital Authority’s full Medical Fee Waiver scheme
- OALA recipients aged 75 or above