Hong Kong’s Dental Subsidy Scheme Faces Low Uptake

Key Takeaways

• Subsidized Care: Hong Kong’s new Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents offers HK$200 subsidies for dental check-ups, but participants may pay up to HK$780 due to variable co-payment fees.
• Low Dentist Enrollment: Only 114 dentists (4% of Hong Kong’s total) have joined the scheme, partly due to eHealth system barriers.
• Market-Driven Pricing: Co-payment amounts, set by dentists, range from HK$50 to HK$780, with 60% at HK$200 or below.

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Scheme Launches Amid Low Dentist Participation

Hong Kong’s Primary Dental Co-care Pilot Scheme for Adolescents, set to begin March 20, will provide subsidized dental care to teenagers aged 13–17. However, the Department of Health revealed only 114 dentists—4% of the city’s approximately 2,600 practitioners—have enrolled. Dr. Kitty Hse Mei-yin, a dental services consultant, noted that many dentists remain ineligible due to not joining the government’s eHealth system or primary care directory.

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Costs and Subsidy Structure

Participants will receive a HK$200 government subsidy per annual check-up, but co-payment fees vary widely. Dentists set their own rates, ranging from HK$50 to HK$780, with 60% charging HK$200 or less. Dr. Kaye Wong Wing-sze, a senior dental officer, emphasized flexibility: “Dentists can fine-tune [the co-payment amount]… it’s not like they cannot adjust.” Additional treatments like X-rays or fillings will require full out-of-pocket payment, with prices listed on the scheme’s website.
The eHealth system, a shared platform for public and private healthcare providers, and the primary care directory remain key hurdles. Many dentists have yet to integrate these systems, delaying their eligibility. Processing delays for registration and banking documents have also slowed approvals, with over 250 applications pending despite 114 approvals so far.
The scheme responds to concerning oral health trends: 21.2% of 17-year-olds had cavities in 2021, compared to 4.2% of 12-year-olds. Eligible teenagers must hold a Hong Kong ID and join the eHealth system to access subsidized check-ups, scaling, fluoride treatments, and assessments.

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Geographic Disparities in Access

Clinic distribution highlights inequities. Yau Tsim Mong leads with 17 participating clinics, while North, Sai Kung, and Islands districts have only two each. The Department of Health stated it will continue promoting the scheme to expand coverage.
Authorities have opted against price controls, letting dentists set fees based on market dynamics. Dr. Wong reiterated, “We will let the market decide the prices,” though adjustments post-launch are permitted. Critics, however, question whether this approach will ensure equitable access for all adolescents.