New Dentists May Need Three Years Of Public Service

Newly qualified dentists could be made to work in the public sector for up to three years as part of a government plan to tackle a manpower shortage, RTHK understands.

Sources on Thursday said the sector is being consulted on the proposal, which is similar to one put forward earlier to recruit doctors into the public system.

It's believed the government wants local dental graduates to serve as interns at a public body for a year before they get their licence, and then be obliged to work for another two years in the public sector before they can move into private practice.

Non-locally trained dentists who are working in Hong Kong under limited or special registration could be exempted from some exams and given a full licence after five years in the public system.

In response to media enquiries, the Health Bureau said it might consider introducing an internship programme for dental graduates.

But it said the dental sector and stakeholders are still being consulted, and no details have been finalised yet.

The president of the Hong Kong Dental Association, Nelson Wong, said the government's proposals may cause anxiety to dental students.

But he added that he thinks such requirements for new dentists would be justified, given the manpower shortage.

Wong told Commercial Radio that officials are only collecting views from the sector at this stage, and no final decisions have been made.

"Can we find a way that satisfies different sides? For example, we can change the curriculum so that students can do their internships in the public system as part of their courses," he said.

"That way, students won't need to work an extra year, or two, three years, but they can also get different kinds of working experience while in government."

Wong said his group received documents regarding the proposals a few days ago and needs more time to consult members before formulating a comprehensive response.

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