FAQ

The Government has launched the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly (ODCP), through which non-governmental organisations (NGOs) deploy outreach dental teams to provide oral check-ups and dental care for older adults residing in Residential Care Homes, Nursing Homes, Care and Attention Homes for the Aged Blind as well as those attending Day Care Centres/Units. Additionally, the programme offers training to caregivers. It aims to promote the prevention and early treatment of oral diseases, thereby improving oral hygiene of the frail older adults.

Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Holds a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or Exemption from Registration Certificate; and
2. Be a current service user of who either:
   1. residing in Residential Care Homes, Nursing Homes or Care and Attention Homes for the Aged Blind licensed by the Social Welfare Department; or
   2. aged 60 or above and using services of Day Care Centres/Units for the Elderly listed by the Social Welfare Department.

Designated NGOs appointed by the Department of Health deploy outreach dental teams to provide the following services free of charge:

• On-site oral check-ups for the older adults
• Oral care training and oral health education activities such as seminars/talks, etc for the older adults, their families and caregivers
• If the older adults is assessed by the outreach dentist as needing of further curative dental treatment, the treatment may be provided on site or the older adults may be referred to a designated dental clinic for further treatment. Treatments include:
  • Oral check-ups (including X-rays)
  • Preventive treatment (including scaling / polishing)
  • Periodontal treatment
  • Fillings
  • Extractions (including wisdom teeth)
  • Endodontic treatment (Root canal treatment)
  • Insertion / Removal of crowns and bridges
  • Removable dentures

Eligible person may contact their respective Residential Care Homes, Nursing Homes or Care and Attention Homes for the Aged Blind or Day Care Centres/Units.

Yes. After assessment by the outreach dentist confirms it is appropriate and medically necessary, participants may receive denture fabrication services.

NGOs appointed by the Government will deploy outreach dental teams to provide on-site oral check-ups, enabling even mobility-impaired older adults to participate in ODCP. If the older adults is assessed by the outreach dentist as needing of further curative dental treatment, the treatment may be provided on-site or the older adult may be referred to a designated dental clinic.

The outreach dental teams may also provide oral care training to elders, their families, and caregivers.

Participants should relay their feedbacks to relevant NGOs through their respective Residential Care Homes, Nursing Homes, or Care and Attention Homes for the Aged Blind or Day Care Centres/Units. For further enquireies from these institutions, contact can be made at 2515 2400 during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:30pm.).

No. All dental services under ODCP are fully subsidised by the Government, and participants do not need to pay.