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The Department of Health (DH) has launched its oral health education homepage in a continued effort to make oral health information easily accessible and free to members of the public.

The homepage, <www.toothclub.gov.hk>, contains 18 interactive corners providing such information as Oral Treatment, Common Oral Problems, Expectant Mother and Baby, and Oral Care Products.

Entertainment is right at the fingertips, with corners including Weekly Horoscope, Parent-child Corner, e-Card and job-hunting tips. Also, it is now possible to communicate directly with DH's Oral Health Education Unit by e-mail.

Speaking at the launching ceremony today (October 20), Consultant In-charge (Dental Service), Dr Elizabeth Kwan, said: "The homepage is intended to meet the expectations of the general public".

"It is not only convenient, it is eye-catching and interesting for people of all age groups".

Dr Kwan said DH's Oral Health Education Unit had started conceptualising and developing the Toothclub a year ago. It has researched on the project in-depth, to determine the expected target recipients, the information and the mode of presentation.

"The team has also conducted a formative evaluation of the homepage with secondary students, adults and parents and obtained favourable comments before today's official launch."

The project is the third of their endeavours, over a five-year period, to make oral health information readily available to the public -- after the oral health education bus and the oral health education hotline service.

Dr Kwan pledged to continue to explore innovative ways to promote oral health and to reach out to the community with current and relevant information.

DH's innovative approaches to deliver promotive activities were complimented by Legco Member, Dr Lo Wing Lok. Dr Lo agreed: "Before one can acquire a state of good oral health, it is essential that the basic information regarding oral health is understood"

"Whilst the Government plays its part in oral health promotion and facilitating the proper use of oral health care services, the community should make it their priority to develop a care seeking behaviour."

He noted that among DH's many oral health education programmes, "Brighter Smiles for the New Generation" covered all the 400 000 pre-school children in the territory, and that it was encouraging that the pilot "Smiles with Vigour" programme targeted at secondary school students.

End/Friday,October 20, 2000

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