The Government announced today (May 20) that the provisions on dental care professionals (DenCPs) in the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) (DRO) will come into effect on August 24, 2026, with a view to implementing a statutory registration system for DenCPs in the class of dental hygienist. The commencement notice will be gazetted this Friday (May 22) and tabled at the Legislative Council (LegCo) for negative vetting next Wednesday (May 27).  

     This initiative follows the phased implementation of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024, which was passed by the LegCo in July 2024. The new registration system marks a significant step in recognising the professional status of DenCPs (now comprised of dental hygienists and dental therapists) and ensures that their service quality is maintained through a formalised regulatory framework.

     Under the new statutory system, dental hygienists and dental therapists will be retitled as DenCPs and they will be required to register afresh, with practising certificates to be renewed annually thereafter. The Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) has been empowered to accredit their training programmes, benchmark the qualifications for the purpose of registration and take disciplinary actions where circumstances warrant. 

     With the relevant provisions of the DRO coming into effect on August 24, sufficient time will be allowed for the DCHK to complete the necessary administrative and preparatory work, including drawing up detailed registration procedures, conducting accreditation for relevant local dental hygiene programmes, developing and promulgating professional codes and guidelines for DenCPs, and facilitating the early processing of applications for registration from dental hygienists already on the roll, thereby providing sufficient time for graduates of the local dental hygiene programmes recognised by the DCHK to apply for registration upon graduation.

     Relevant provisions on DenCPs in the class of dental therapist (who are currently allowed to work only in the Department of Health) will commence at a later stage, following the enhancement of their training and professional development pathways. By then, dental therapists will be able to work in the public or private sector to tie in with their enhanced roles in providing dental care services.

Ends/Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00

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