12 non-locally trained dentists issued offers to ease shortage in Hong Kong

Hong Kong health authorities have issued offers to 12 non-locally trained dentists, including three who started working in the city last month, with all of them fluent in Cantonese and English, amid the city’s efforts to ease a labour shortage.

The Department of Health on Wednesday said the rest of the group was expected to have their limited registration approved by the Dental Council in the coming two months, adding that the candidates had met the requirements to be hired locally as dentists, such as being able to speak both languages fluently.

Dr Kitty Hse Mei-yin, consultant in-charge for the department’s dental services, said authorities had embarked on a two-month global recruitment push last July.

“At the end of September, we received a very enthusiastic response, with more than 90 applications,” she said.

“Through a rigorous selection process, we chose 12 dentists who are non-locally trained. We have issued them offers to join the Department of Health.”

The recruitment drive followed the Legislative Council’s approval of amendments to the Dentist Registration Ordinance, allowing non-locally trained dentists to work in the city without having to pass the city’s licensing exams.