The Department of Health today launched its Dental Internship Programme, welcoming the first cohort of 75 local dental graduates under the scheme.

The graduates join the department on 12-month internships as Dental House Officers.

Addressing a launch ceremony, Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau said the programme marks not only a significant milestone in dental education in Hong Kong but also a crucial step forward in the pursuit of higher-quality dental services.

“Dental practice is a highly specialised field of knowledge and skill, and excellent dentists must continuously refine their expertise through clinical practice.

“I hope that the Dental House Officers participating in this programme will cherish every opportunity to learn, honing their skills over the coming year. By engaging directly with patients, they can build mutual trust and develop empathy, embodying the professionalism of healthcare providers and safeguarding the health of Hong Kong’s citizens.”

Amendments to the Dentists Registration Ordinance relating to provisional registrations, internships and the period of assessment came into effect on April 1.

Under the new arrangements, local dental graduates are required to undergo an internship, while non-locally trained dentists who have passed the Dental Council of Hong Kong’s licensing examination will need to undergo a period of assessment before obtaining full registration in Hong Kong.

The Dental House Officers will first participate in a two-week orientation programme to become familiar with the scope of public dental services.

They will then be assigned to rotate across the Department of Health, the Hospital Authority, and Prince Philip Dental Hospital, and work under the guidance of experienced dentists in general dental services, emergency dental services, hospital dental services, the School Dental Care Service, and community dental services.

Upon successful completion of the internship, the officers will be awarded a certificate of experience that enables them to obtain full registration.