Introduction of ODCP

Programme Background

Older adults residing in residential care homes or receiving day care centre services are generally frail and functionally dependent. They face difficulties in performing oral hygiene self-care and access to professional dental care. As a result, this group of is at higher risks of developing oral disease. Supporting good oral health is an essential component of holistic care for older adults and should be integrated into their daily support and nursing services.

Programme Content

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 or units. Additionally, the programme offers training for caregivers. It aims to promote the prevention and early treatment of oral diseases, thereby improving oral hygiene of the frail older adults.

Scope of Subsidised Services

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

  • On-site oral check-up 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

Target Beneficiaries

  1. Holds a valid Hong Kong Identity Card or Exemption from Registration Certificate; and
  2. Be a current service user 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.