Hong Kong’s Hospital Authority (HA) will integrate the city’s hospital dental service (HDS) with its oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) service starting 6 February 2026. Currently, the HDS is managed by the Department of Health. The move marks a significant step in streamlining public dental and surgical care.
The integration will involve seven hospital dental clinics. These clinics are all situated within public hospitals under the HA. The participating hospitals are Queen Mary Hospital, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, Tuen Mun Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and North District Hospital.
Despite the integration, each clinic will continue operating at its current location. Patients will not need to travel to new facilities to receive care. At the same time, these clinics will align their services with the OMS departments in six of the participating hospitals. This alignment aims to enhance patient care by providing a more coordinated approach to dental and maxillofacial treatment.
The integration is expected to improve both efficiency and patient experience. By combining the HDS and OMS services, the HA can ensure smoother referral processes for patients who require more complex surgical care. Patients needing oral surgery will now have easier access to specialized treatment within the same hospital setting.
Hospital dental services in Hong Kong have long provided essential care to the public, including preventive dentistry, routine checkups, and minor oral procedures. Meanwhile, OMS departments focus on more complex conditions, such as facial trauma, jaw surgery, and tumor removal. By bringing these two services together, the HA aims to create a seamless pathway for patients.
Officials say the integration will also help optimize the use of hospital resources. Staff, equipment, and clinic space can be better coordinated to meet the growing demand for dental and surgical services. The HA has emphasized that patient care will remain the top priority throughout the transition.
Experts believe this integration could set a precedent for other public healthcare services in Hong Kong. It demonstrates a move toward consolidating care under single hospital authorities to improve access, coordination, and efficiency.
Patients who regularly visit these dental clinics can expect minimal disruption. The HA plans to maintain routine appointments and treatment schedules during the integration process. Staff members from both the HDS and OMS teams will collaborate closely to ensure a smooth transition.
By February 2026, Hong Kong’s public dental clinics will officially operate as part of the hospital-based OMS service. The initiative reflects the city’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public healthcare and provide comprehensive, patient-centered care across multiple specialties.