16th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Government has announced that provisions regarding provisional registration, internships, and assessment periods within the Dentists Registration Ordinance will come into effect on 1st April. This initiative mandates local dental graduates to undertake an internship with provisional registration, while non-locally trained dentists who have passed the Dental Council of Hong Kong’s licensing examination will also be required to complete a period of assessment under similar conditions before achieving full registration.
These changes follow the successful passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the Legislative Council last July. Subsequently, a second commencement notice was tabled for negative vetting, with the vetting period concluding on 15th January. The introduction of these requirements is a response to feedback from the dental profession, aimed at enhancing the practical clinical experience of both local and non-locally trained dentists.
Under the new regulations, interns and assessors will gain provisional registration status and be employed as dentists on a contractual basis, earning 50% of the Master Pay Scale Point 30, approximately $35,505 per month for the 2024-25 financial year. They will rotate through various service units, including emergency dental services, hospital dental services, and community dental services, under the mentorship of experienced professionals. This structured environment is designed to familiarise them with local practices and improve their communication skills with patients.
The duration of the internship or assessment is typically set at 12 months, although there is flexibility for non-locally trained dentists with prior experience, as the Dental Council can consider shortening this period on a case-by-case basis. Conversely, if an individual’s performance is deemed unsatisfactory, the Council retains the authority to extend or terminate their internship.
With the provisions set to take effect in April, there will be adequate time for the Dental Council and the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong to prepare for a seamless implementation. This transition will not only facilitate local dental graduates but also provide non-locally trained dentists an opportunity to secure full registration well ahead of the new regulations.
Moreover, non-locally trained dentists who have been admitted to Hong Kong through limited or special registration mechanisms may apply for migration to full registration after serving satisfactorily in designated institutions for a minimum of five years. Those dentists can achieve full registration without the need for a period of assessment, provided they meet the necessary criteria established by the Council.
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