Dental hygiene in Hong Kong: a global perspective

Abstract

This article examines how dental hygiene status in Hong Kong compared to global developments of the profession. The aim is to address access to cost-effective, qualified preventive care. Information for this study was obtained using questionnaires and followed up by e-mail correspondence with International Federation of Dental Hygienists (IFDH) delegates and additional experts, supporting studies and reference literature. All experts consulted are involved in the professional and educational organisation of dental hygiene on a national level. Results show that dental hygiene is practised in about 30 countries, generally as a licensed profession, studied at institutions of higher education. Average study duration is 3 years. Globally, low access to qualified dental hygiene care tends to be a result of a lack of social and cultural awareness of the benefits of preventive care and insufficient funding for preventive services as well as supervision requirements, which tie dental hygiene care to private practice dentistry settings. In several countries, a reduction of supervision requirements has opened the door to provide care at alternative settings and public health institutions. In Hong Kong, owing to a small number of practising dental hygienists, access to qualified preventive care is scarce. Public awareness of the benefits and cost-effectiveness of preventive measures need to be raised to achieve higher acceptance of the profession. Global and scientific developments mandate an extension of study duration. Access to qualified care could be addressed by public health initiatives, which utilise the expertise of dental hygienists in setting and attaining preventive health goals.