Department of Health hospital dental services taken over by Hospital Authority from February
From 6 February 2026 the Department of Health's hospital dental services merged with the Hospital Authority's oral and maxillofacial surgery services and are run by the HA. Seven clinics inside public hospitals are affected; clinical records, X-rays, photos, dental models and follow-up appointments move to the HA so care continues.
What it means for you
Patients previously followed up by DH hospital dental clinics now have their appointments and records with the HA; in general they do not need to rebook.
Editors' take: the background
Oral and maxillofacial surgery covers far more than wisdom teeth, including jaw fractures, oral tumours, severe infections and facial deformities. Hospital dental services mainly care for inpatients, people with special oral care needs and dental emergencies, not routine dental care for the general public.
After the merger, existing patients' records, X-rays, photos, dental models and appointments moved to the Hospital Authority, so a new referral is generally not needed, unless you opted out of the transfer.
Key points
- Seven OMFS and dental clinics in public hospitals now run by the HA
- Records, X-rays and appointments were transferred
- Contact the clinic or the HA with questions
Source: Department of Health / Hospital Authority
This is a news summary written by our editors, not medical advice. Please refer to the original source and seek professional advice for your own situation.
Questions readers ask
Can members of the public walk into a hospital dental clinic?
Generally not. Hospital dental services mainly see inpatients, patients with special needs and dental emergencies. For toothache, the Department of Health's dental General Public Sessions are an option.
Will my follow-up date change?
According to the announcement, appointments moved with the records, so you generally do not need to rebook, unless you opted out of the transfer. If unsure, ask your clinic or the Hospital Authority.
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