Hong Kong Dental News

Government dental policy, public services, fees and new research — summarised in plain language, with the original source linked.

Video explainers▶ Viral video explainedMedia report · 26 Sept 2026

What causes cavities? The TED-Ed animation watched 7.6 million times, explained

TED-Ed's animation "What causes cavities?", presented by Mel Rosenberg, has more than 7.6 million views on the TED-Ed site. It starts with archaeology — human remains from around 15,000 years ago already show cavities — then zooms into the tooth surface to show how bacteria in plaque turn sugar from food into acid that slowly dissolves the tooth. The World Health Organization says untreated decay in permanent teeth is the most common health condition worldwide.

TED-Ed

Video explainers▶ Viral video explainedMedia report · 26 Sept 2026

Why do we have crooked teeth when our ancestors didn't? A TED-Ed video explained

TED-Ed's animation "Why do we have crooked teeth when our ancestors didn't?", presented by G. Richard Scott, has nearly 4.9 million views on the TED-Ed site. It shows that fossil evidence points to ancient humans usually having straight teeth, and that crowding is a comparatively recent problem; the main explanation it offers links softer modern diets to how our jaws grow.

TED-Ed

Video explainers▶ Viral video explainedMedia report · 26 Sept 2026

Did George Washington wear wooden teeth? His Mount Vernon estate says never

George Washington's Mount Vernon estate features a short educational video taking a close look at his dentures. Mount Vernon says that at his first inauguration in 1789 Washington had only one natural tooth left, and that his dentures used materials such as tin, gold, lead and human teeth — but never wood. The "wooden teeth" story most likely comes from the materials staining over time and looking like wood grain.

Bobblehead George / George Washington's Mount Vernon

Current public dental fees & schemes

Effective 1 Mar 2026 · The Prince Philip Dental Hospital has issued an updated schedule of fees for teaching patients, effective 1 March 2026, covering the latest charges for consultations, dentures, crowns/bridges and orthodontic treatments. PPDH Schedule of Fees for Teaching Patients
Effective 6 Feb 2026 · From 6 February 2026, the Department of Health's Hospital Dental Service, including its oral maxillofacial surgery and dental clinics, will be taken over by the Hospital Authority and merged with its existing oral maxillofacial surgery service, with patient appointments and medical records transferred accordingly. DH and HA Press Release
January 2026 · The Community Dental Support Programme expands to 32 organisations and about 80 service points, with a co-payment of HK$50 per tooth and a HK$150 cap per visit Community Dental Support Programme (Department of Health)
From 1 January 2026 · Department of Health general public dental sessions cover pain relief or extraction only; the fee for non-eligible persons is HK$850 per attendance, plus HK$90 per prescribed drug item DH general public dental service notes
January 2026 · The Community Care Fund Elderly Dental Assistance Programme has closed and no longer accepts new applications; it has been replaced by the Community Dental Support Programme Government press release (15 August 2025)
August 2025 · St. James’ Settlement Jockey Club Primary Healthcare Dental Clinic in Cheung Sha Wan begins service St. James’ Settlement dental clinic information

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