VTC Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre Opens: Training Dental Hygienists; Public Can Register for Free Teeth Cleaning

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Demand for primary oral healthcare services in Hong Kong is keen. To strengthen training of dental care professionals, the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), under the Vocational Training Council (VTC), launched the "Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Care" in early last year—Hong Kong's second programme specifically designed to train dental hygienists. The "Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre" at the Chai Wan campus officially opened today.

🏥 18,000 Square Feet, Equipped with 32 Dental Chairs
The Dental Care Training Centre at IVE Chai Wan officially opened today. Covering about 18,000 square feet, the centre is divided into three core areas: the Treatment Training Centre, the Simulation Laboratory and the Jockey Club Dental Care Visitor Centre. It is equipped with 32 dental chairs with scaling equipment, digital X-ray machines and high-standard independent sterilisation rooms, and has introduced a fully automated waterway management system. Students can conduct clinical practicum on real cases under the supervision of registered dentists in an environment meeting the industry's highest infection control standards.

🦷 "Oral Health Care Programme" Launched: Public Can Receive Free Teeth Cleaning
The centre is simultaneously rolling out the "Oral Health Care Programme." After registration and examination by a registered dentist, members of the public may receive free teeth cleaning, digital dental X-ray examinations and personalised care guidance provided by students. Programme Chief Instructor and dentist Dr. Or Kwok-kwong said the programme covers all age groups such as the elderly, adults and schoolchildren. "After successful registration, applicants will be contacted to come for screening. Unless the case is very complex, 99% can be handled." Since the programme was launched at the end of last year, 1,800 people have completed initial registration, of whom nearly 1,500 have received services.

🎓 First Cohort of 60 Graduates; Employment Rate Near 100%
The centre mainly provides clinical teaching for students of the "Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Care." The 18-month programme covers theory, simulation practice and advanced courses on handling complex cases, meeting the requirements of the Dental Council of Hong Kong. The first cohort of graduates completed the programme this summer; after passing examinations, students may apply for a licence to become dental hygienists, with a starting salary of about HK$20,000. Dr. Or Kwok-kwong said the first cohort of 60 graduates is expected to officially receive licences and enter the industry by the end of this month, with an employment rate close to 100%. "Some students were already favoured by employers and hired in advance before receiving their licences."

🏛️ Fan Yuen-man: Statutory Registration System Enhances Industry Prospects
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Secretary for Health Fan Yuen-man said the government amended the Dentists Registration Ordinance the year before last to introduce a statutory registration system for dental hygienists and dental therapists, greatly enhancing the prospects of dental-related professions. She believes that the "Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene and Care" programme and the opening of the "Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre" will help alleviate the industry's manpower shortage.