Over Half of Hong Kong’s Subdivided Flat Residents Neglect Dental Problems, Group Calls for Public Dental Clinics in All 18 Districts

Hong Kong SAR: A local dental group has called on the Hong Kong government to establish public dental clinics in all 18 districts in response to a survey that found more than half of residents living in inappropriate accommodations, including subdivided flats, neglect dental problems. 

The group suggested that the clinics provide affordable dental services and subsidies for the ordinary residents seeking treatment at private clinics.

Residents in “Inadequate Accommodation” More Likely to Suffer from Dental Ailments

The survey found that of the 412 valid responses, 149 respondents lived in inadequate accommodation and were more likely to suffer from toothaches, tooth decay, and loose teeth than other respondents. 

More than half of them said they would not seek dental treatment, and 80% did not receive dental checkups or cleaning services in the past year. Only about 40% of all respondents would proactively seek dental care, and more than 60% did not receive dental check-ups, while more than 70% did not receive dental cleaning services in the past year.

Government Urged to Increase Number of Public Dental Clinics

The survey also found that dental problems had various impacts on respondents, including difficulty eating and sleeping, low self-confidence, and social limitations.

One of the surveyed residents, a 53-year-old woman surnamed Tam, had suffered from periodontitis and loose teeth. Tam had sought treatment at a private clinic, but the cost was too high for her to afford, at HKD$2,000 (USD$250) for one tooth extraction. She then turned to a public clinic, where she had to wait three times to get treatment, and each visit only allowed the extraction of one tooth. She felt that the dental staff did not understand her dental condition and could not provide appropriate treatment for her loose teeth.

The dental group urged the government to increase the number of public dental clinics, especially in underserved areas, to provide affordable dental care for residents in need.

Source: HK01.com