Introduction of CDSP

Programme Background

In response to the increasing demand for public dental services, the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care was established in end 2022 to conduct a comprehensive review of the dental services provided or subsidised by the Government. In light of the recommendations of the Working Group, the Government collaborates with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and launches the Community Dental Support Programme (CDSP).

CDSP aims to promote prevention, early identification and timely intervention of dental diseases among the underprivileged groups with financial difficulties through provision of subsidised services with the goal to improve oral and physical health by retaining teeth.

CDSP has expanded the service scope, supplanted the Community Care Fund Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (EDAP), and included “the homeless”. Subsidised services include oral health assessment, medication for dental pain relief (if necessary), X-ray examination, dental filling or extraction, scaling, root canal treatment, removal of bridges and crowns and fitting of removable dentures.

Target Beneficiaries

• Holds a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or is a holder of a valid Certificate of Exemption; and
• Be current beneficiary / recipient of:
  • Old Age Living Allowance (OALA) administered by Social Welfare Department (SWD); or
  • Community Care Service Voucher Scheme for the Elderly (CCSV) administered by SWD with Co-payment Category II; or
  • “Integrated Home Care Services (Frail Case)”, “Enhanced Home and Community Care Services” and “Home Support Services” subvented by SWD while paying Level 1 or 2 fee charged / with Co-payment Category I or II; or
  • Medical Fee Waiver put in place by the Hospital Authority; or
  • Homeless certified and referred by registered social workers in designated NGOs; and
• Has joined the Electronic Health System (eHealth)

Programme Content

Eligible persons can choose a dental clinic operated by participating NGOs either by approaching the clinic him/herself or through arrangement by a Registered Social Worker to receive the subsidised services under CDSP. Participants are required to pay an administration fee/ co-payment fee.

Scope of Subsidised Services

After assessment by the attending registered dentist from the NGOs appointed by the Government, the following services will be provided to participant if considered suitable:

Every 180 days:

• Oral health assessment
• Medication for dental pain relief (if necessary)
• X-ray examination
• Dental filling or extraction as treatment for one tooth (as one “Teeth Filling/ Extraction Quota”), with a maximum of three Teeth Filling/ Extraction Quotas
• Removal of bridge or crowns (one bridge or two crowns)

Every 365 days:

• Scaling
• Root canal treatment (one tooth)

Every 5 years or more:

• Fitting of removable dentures^* (receiving no more than two times of service for each person^{^}, with an interval of 5 years or more between each service)

Administration Fee/ Co-payment Fee

The funding model for this support program is based on a cost-sharing principle. In addition to government subsidies, participants are also responsible for a portion of the service costs, encouraging them to manage their own health. Participants are required to pay a fee to the non-governmental organization (NGO) providing the service. The details are as follows:

Subsidised Services (Assessed by the dentist)	Administration Fee/ Co-Payment Fee (Category A*)	Administration Fee/ Co-Payment Fee (Category B*)
Every 180 days:
Oral health assessment	The Government will fully subsidise the administration fee	Free
X-ray examination
Medication for dental pain relief
Dental filling or extraction		$50 / each tooth
Removal of bridge		$100 / each bridge
Removal of crowns		$50 / each crown
Every 365 days:
Scaling	The Government will fully subsidise the administration fee	$50
Root canal treatment		$50 / each tooth
Every 5 years or more:
Fitting of removable dentures	$500 / each set^	$1,000 / each set^

The elderly persons can use health care vouchers to pay the services.

Dental Services Outside the Scope of Subsidised Services

The chosen NGO may provide dental treatments that fall outside the scope of CDSP. It shall be considered as a private arrangement between the NGO and the Participant. The Participant shall bear all of the cost of procuring such dental treatments at his/her own expense.