FAQ
Programme Background
The programme of "Healthy Teeth Collaboration" (HTC) is a dental care service launched by the Hong Kong Department of Health in 2018, specifically designed to provide free oral check-ups, dental treatments, and oral health education for intellectually disabled persons aged 18 or above. Starting in July 2024, the programme’s target participants have been expanded to include adults with autism spectrum disorder, thereby providing appropriate medical support to a broader vulnerable group in society.
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Holding valid Hong Kong Identity Card or Exemption from Registration Certificate; and
- Aged 18 or above; and
- Holding valid documentary prove certifying the disability category as "intellectual disability," "mental handicapped," or "autism spectrum disorder."
The programme provides subsidised services through designated non-governmental organisation (NGO) dental clinics, including:
- Oral check-ups (Including X-Ray)
- Preventive and curative dental treatments (Including periodontal treatment, fillings, extractions (including wisdom teeth), pulp treatment, insertion/removal of crowns and bridges, dentures)
- Education for caregivers on daily oral care
- Escort subsidy and transport subsidy
The service period for the programme of HTC is from 16 July 2024 to 31 March 2027 (inclusive of both start and end dates).
Enrolment in "Healthy Teeth Collaboration" (HTC)
Yes. Eligible participants must be intellectually disabled persons and/or individuals with autism spectrum disorder aged 18 years or above. They must also hold a valid Hong Kong adult identity card or an Exemption from Registration Certificate to qualify for enrollment in the program.
Participants must hold one of the following valid documents showing that their disability type is "intellectual disability," "mental handicap," or "autism spectrum disorder."
- Valid registration card for people with disabilities issued by the Labour and Welfare Bureau; or
- Certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner in Hong Kong; or
- "Certificate of Disability Type for Healthy Teeth Collaboration (HTC01E)" (as attached to the application form) issued by registered medical practitioner in Hong Kong or the person-in-charge of a rehabilitation service unit under the designated types of rehabilitation services#
#Designated types refer to the institutions set out in the Social Welfare Department of the Government’s website at https://www.swd.gov.hk/en/pubsvc/rehab/ consisting of : care and attention home for severely disabled persons; hostel for severely mentally handicapped persons; hostel for moderately mentally handicapped persons; supported hostel; hostel for severely physically handicapped Persons with mental handicap; integrated vocational training centre – residential service; day activity centre; sheltered workshop; integrated vocational rehabilitation services centre; integrated vocational training centre – day; district support centre for persons with disabilities and day care service for persons with severe disabilities;
Eligible persons can contact a participating NGO dental clinic to apply for the programme and schedule an appointment. Application forms are available from the clinic or can be downloaded from the Department of Health's Community Dental Services website. Applicants are encouraged to complete and sign the application form before their first appointment and submit it to the chosen dental clinic on the day of their visit. Alternatively, they may complete and sign the form during their first appointment and present relevant supporting documents for verification of eligibility.
Eligible persons can search for NGO dental clinics by visiting the Department of Health’s Community Dental Services website. The website provides a list of participating NGO dental clinics and their basic information, including clinic addresses and contact details.
Yes. If the applicant is accompanied by a legal guardian appointed by the Guardianship Board established under the Mental Health Ordinance (Cap. 136), the legal guardian may apply on the participant's behalf. The applicant must provide valid proof of legal guardianship and the legal guardian's identification document when applying.
If the applicant does not have a legal guardian, the applicant's parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, or representative of a rehabilitation service provider may also apply on the applicant's behalf. The parent or grandparent must accompany the applicant to the first consultation and provide the original identification document and relevant documents for proving their relationship.
Provision of "Healthy Teeth Collaboration" (HTC) Subsidised Service
After assessment by a registered dentist from a designated NGO, participants in the programme may receive the following services if their condition is appropriate and there is a medical need:
- Oral check-ups
- X-rays
- Preventive dental treatment
- Periodontal treatment
- Fillings
- Endodontic treatment
- Extractions (including wisdom teeth)
- Insertion / Removal of crowns and bridges
- Dentures
In addition, the programme will provide daily oral care education to caregivers, helping them acquire effective dental care techniques to support participants’ oral health.
After participants are assessed by a dentist, if there is a need based on their oral health or function, they will be arranged for the relevant services. Each participant can receive a maximum of one set of dentures, one for the upper arch and one for the lower arch, throughout the service period (16 July 2024 to 31 March 2027).
If a participant is unable to undergo dental treatment successfully through behavioural management at a designated NGO dental clinic, the clinic will arrange a referral to a designated collaborating private hospital or day procedure centre. There, dental treatment can be provided using conscious sedation, deep sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure safe and smooth treatment.
Yes. Participants can transfer to another dental clinic once per service year (i.e. the government's fiscal year) based on their individual needs. However, please note that if a participant is in the middle of dental treatment at their current dental clinic, they must complete all ongoing dental treatment before being transferred to another institution to ensure safe and seamless dental care.
Under normal circumstances, the referral process takes approximately 7 to 10 working days to complete. This arrangement is to allow the relevant NGO sufficient time to verify the participants' personal information, treatment performed and associated costs, and whether there are any unfinished dental procedures, so as to protect the rights of participants and ensure the continuity of treatment.
No. Participants may only receive dental services subsidised by the programme at one designated NGO dental clinic of their choice and are not allowed to receive treatment under the same subsidised arrangement at other clinics simultaneously.
No. Participants can complete all dental treatments at once or in stages, depending on their treatment needs. The dental clinic will also follow up individually, arranging regular follow-up visits to ensure participants continue to receive appropriate dental examinations, treatments, and oral health education, thereby enhancing overall oral care effectiveness.
Government Subsidies
No. The dental services covered by the plan are fully subsidised by the Government and participants do not need to pay.
Participants can obtain an application form from their chosen NGO dental clinic and submit the following required documents to the clinic. The clinic will then apply for government subsidy on their behalf. Eligible expenses will be reimbursed through the dental clinic after government verification and payment.
- Official receipts for accompanying and transportation expenses
- Receipts must clearly state the patient's name, appointment date, and detailed charges.
- Copies of transportation receipts (e.g., taxi, public transportation) are required.
Yes, these subsidies are supplementary. If actual expenses exceed the upper limits, participants will need to pay the difference themselves. The upper limits for the entire service period (16 July 2024 to 31 March 2027) are as follows:
- Escort subsidy: HK$5,800
- Transport subsidy: HK$5,000