Authors: (including presenting author): :
Chu MW (1), Li KY (1), Poon SW (1), Lee OY (1)
Affiliation: :
(1) Infirmary Unit, Department of Rehabilitation and Extended Care, Wong Tai Sin Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Outreach dental program
Introduction: :
The Hong Kong Government had formulated a three-year pilot Outreach Dental Care Program (ODCP) since 2011 for elders in residential care homes and similar facilities. 2014 Policy Agenda proposed to convert the project into regular program. Food and Health Bureau having coordination and governance expanded the program to cover HA Central Infirmary Units since 2016. Pilot was implemented in two HA CI units since 3Q 2016. NGOs’ Outreach dental team appointed by Government provides professional assessment and advice on clinical treatment to HA patients. With positive feedback of various stakeholders, HA proposed to roll out to remaining CI Units in 2019/20.
A free outreach dental service collaborated by DH, NGOs and HA serves as an appropriate and efficient team in providing education, examination and treatment to WTSH infirmary long stay patients.
Objectives: :
1.Provide free dental care services by the attending dentist
2.Provide education to enhance ability and related knowledge to staff and relatives
3.Promote the importance of oral care and oral health to elders
4.Early detection of oral and dental problems to provide early treatment.
Methodology: :
WTSH female CI units collaborated with Tung Wah Group of Hospitals outreach dental team had started pilot program in Oct 2024. Scope of service included oral health talk, oral dental assessment and treatment includes scaling, denture cleaning, fillings, repair and making dentures. Following the established workflow, 23 family members and one mentally sound patient of 50% CI patients (42) attended health talk provided by outreach dentist. Second education talk also given to 19 nursing and supporting staff. Oral examination was performed on 13/1/2025 to 21 patients. Reports shown 35.5% dental caries, 26.6% periodontal disease, and 19.4% with loose teeth and problems with removable denture. 100% full mouth topical fluoride treatment was given on 10/9/2025. One case recommended for denture replacement, however declined by patient.
Result & Outcome: :
Significant improvement in knowledge with average score of 10 questionnaires from nurses increased from 6.28 to 9.92, whereas supporting staff increased from 5.36 to 9.89. More than 90% feedback from patients and relatives satisfied with the service. Two cases were identified with initial formation of tooth gum abscess during daily oral observation, urgent Dental was consulted for early treatment. Further initiatives were developed: 1. Concrete clinical workflow include dental assessment, consultation and treatment pathway. 2. Structured internal annual staff training on oral dental care. 3. Integration of daily dental and oral care into ward routines. 4. Early detection of dental problems for early treatment. 5. Annual regular onsite dental examination, and treatment by outreach dental team. 6. Roll out program to male infirmary ward.
