DH Supports Public Access to Online Dental Registration System

HONG KONG: In light of recent concerns reported in the media regarding elderly individuals potentially struggling with the new online registration system for Dental General Public Sessions (ORDGP), the Hong Kong Department of Health (DH) has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting those in need. The DH reiterated today (December 27) that it has implemented a series of measures to ensure that all members of the public, especially elderly individuals, can register for dental services without difficulty.

“The ORDGP will come into operation on December 30,” stated a DH spokesperson. “Members of the public will no longer need to queue in person at the relevant dental clinic to obtain a disc quota.”

On-Site Support for Registration

The DH has made provisions for individuals who are unfamiliar with or unable to use the online system. As announced on December 23, residents needing assistance can visit any dental clinic offering general public sessions between 8:30 am and 11:30 am, where on-site staff will guide them through the registration process.

The spokesperson highlighted that this support eliminates the need for personal mobile phones or computers during registration, emphasising that the DH has prioritised accessibility for all.

Prioritising the Elderly

Acknowledging the unique needs of elderly individuals, the DH has allocated half of the available quotas specifically for those aged 65 and above. “Elderly people, who are not allocated a priority quota in the first round, will join other registered persons for the allocation of the remaining quotas by ballot,” the spokesperson explained.

Additional manpower will also be deployed to provide personalised assistance during the registration process, reflecting the DH’s commitment to inclusivity.

Community and Educational Initiatives

To ensure broad access to the new system, the DH has collaborated with a network of support services, including District Health Centres, Neighbourhood Elderly Centres, and the District Elderly Community Centres under the Social Welfare Department. Support will also be available at District Councillors’ offices, Community Care Teams, and dental clinics operated by 15 social welfare organisations and non-governmental organisations.

For public education, the DH has uploaded introduction and demonstration videos to the Dental Public Session website. These resources aim to familiarise users with the registration process.

Call for Media Collaboration

In addressing public concerns, the DH has called upon media outlets to play an active role in disseminating accurate information. “When launching the ORDGP, due consideration has been given to providing necessary assistance to those in need to facilitate their registration, and it is hoped that the media could help to deliver comprehensive and accurate information to the public,” the spokesperson stated.

The DH encourages the public to visit the Dental Public Session website for more details, including addresses and operating hours of the 11 dental clinics under its jurisdiction offering general public sessions.

As the ORDGP launches, the DH remains committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their technological proficiency, has equitable access to vital dental services.