The first cohort of Hong Kong’s new dental internship system has largely completed its training, with 74 of 75 University of Hong Kong dental graduates completing or passing the programme and receiving full registration. One trainee’s internship was extended, while 46 graduates joined the Department of Health as dentists.
The 12-month internship was introduced after the government amended dental registration rules. Local dental graduates must complete the training before they can be fully registered, with the relevant provisions reported to take effect on 1 April 2026.
The first cohort began its internship on 1 September 2025. Participants were appointed as contract trainee dentists by the Department of Health and granted provisional registration while undertaking the programme.
The placements included public dental clinics, hospital dental services, school dental care and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital. One report also listed oral and maxillofacial surgery among the training areas, although reports differed on the full range of placements.
The Department of Health said the programme was designed to give graduates clinical experience in real work settings, strengthen their ability to make independent judgements and develop their thinking skills. It also aimed to improve communication with local patients, while senior dentists supervised complex cases.
Star Headline and Ming Pao reported that one trainee had been suspended from the internship and required to extend it after allegedly accessing the medical records of 16 patients without authorisation. The follow-up is being handled through existing mechanisms and by the Dental Council, and it remains unclear whether the trainee will receive a completion certificate and full registration.
The Department of Health said more than 80 per cent of participants were satisfied with the programme, while some trainees wanted more surgical experience. The department did not provide further survey details in the supplied reports.
The next cohort began on 1 September 2026, with 78 graduates taking part, according to the Department of Health. The status of the trainee whose placement was extended remains pending.