Online platform lists 200+ government dentists at a Mong Kok clinic; Department of Health says it is false and calls police
The Department of Health said a private online dental platform claimed that a Mong Kok clinic had more than 340 dentists, including over 200 serving full-time government dentists. The department said no serving full-time government dentist practises at any private clinic, called the listings false and misleading, and reported the case to police. It urged the public to check dentists on the Dental Council's online register.
What it means for you
A dentist's credentials should be checked on the official register, not taken from platforms or adverts.
Editors' take: the background
Anyone practising dentistry in Hong Kong must be registered with the Dental Council of Hong Kong. The council publishes its General and Specialist Registers online, so you can check by name whether a dentist is registered and holds a specialist title.
Since 2025, non-locally trained dentists can work full-time under limited registration, but only in specified institutions: the Department of Health, Hospital Authority, University of Hong Kong and Prince Philip Dental Hospital. If you see claims like "government dentists on duty here", check the register and ask.
How to protect yourself
- Check names and qualifications on the Dental Council register
- Be wary of claims that government dentists work at a private clinic
- Question implausible claims about staff numbers or credentials
Source: RTHK (Department of Health)
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
How do I check a dentist is registered?
Open the General or Specialist Register on the Dental Council website (dchk.org.hk) and search the dentist's full name. Anyone not on the register may not practise dentistry in Hong Kong.
What makes a dentist a specialist?
Specialists must be on the Specialist Register, which has eight specialties such as orthodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Be careful with anyone calling themselves a specialist who is not listed.
Send this to family before they get caught out
Traps like this spread fastest in family chats. One tap to pass the warning on.