Hospital Authority Chief Sells Hong Kong to Uk-Based Medical Students, Doctors

Like Wong, Most Skip Regular Check-Ups Because of the Cost, or Complain About the Long Wait for an Appointment and Having to Queue for Hours, Even Overnight, Before Seeing a Government Dentist.

Explain Benefits of Making New Dentists Work in Public Sector: Hong Kong Lawmaker

Authorities Have Been Increasing the Intake of Dental Students at the University, with the Number Rising from 73 to 80 in the 2019-2020 Financial Year, and to 90 in 2022-23.

‘Public Sector Serves Civil Servants Mainly’

Many Dental Students Do Not Find Public Sector Work Appealing, Saying There Are Only Limited Opportunities to Practice and Improve Their Skills.

No Check-Ups for Secondary Students

The Government Covers Dental Care for Primary Schoolchildren, People with Intellectual Disabilities and the Elderly in Care Homes or Day Centres.

Time for New Public-Private Partnership?

Dr Nelson Wong Chi-Wai, President of the Hong Kong Dental Association, Said There Was a Strong Case for Expanding Government Dental Services to Include Children in Kindergarten and Secondary School.

Hong Kong’s Civil Service Chief Vows to Tap Workers’ Potential as Younger Ones Quit

Government-Backed District Health Centres Could Also Refer Diabetes Patients for Dental Checks as the Chronic Condition Was Closely Linked to Gum Disease, Which Could Lead to Tooth Loss If Left Untreated.

Hong Kong Nursing Body to Decide Eligibility Criteria for New Scheme: Health Chief

She Said the Government Could Focus on Supporting High-Risk Dental Surgery for Patients Who Need General Anaesthesia, as They Would Benefit from the Support of Other Specialists at Public Hospitals.

Proposed Legal Changes Will Allow Non-Locally Trained Nurses to Work in Hong Kong

The Community Care Fund, for Example, Saw More Elderly People Seeking Its Support for Free Dental Services from 2018 to 2022. Their Number Rose from Around 17,300 to More Than 18,000, and the Cost Increased from Hk$194 Million to Hk$269 Million.

‘I’ll Just Swallow My Toothache’: Hong Kong’s Shortage of Dentists Keeps Treatment Beyond Reach of the Poor

By Elena Rostova

• Oct 8, 2026 • 10 min read

‘I’ll Just Swallow My Toothache’: Hong Kong’s Shortage of Dentists Keeps Treatment Beyond Reach of the Poor

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

She Does Not Qualify for Most Government Subsidies for Her Age, and Only Had Her Free Check-up with the Help of a Non-Governmental Organisation. After Seeking Help from the Organisation, She Had Her Treatment Fully Subsidised.

Elena Rostova

Lead Health, Wellness & Medical Journalist

Elena Rostova holds a Master's degree in Public Health Journalism. She covers groundbreaking medical research, holistic wellness trends, mental health awareness, and nutritional science.

Tags: ill just swallow my toothache hong kongs shortage dentists keeps treatment beyond reach poor