VTC launches Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre to strengthen dental hygienist training in Hong Kong and support the development of primary oral healthcare services

The Vocational Training Council (VTC) has established the Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre (the Dental Training Centre) with a donation of nearly HK$72 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The opening ceremony for the Dental Training Centre was held today (23 October) and officiated by Dr Cecilia FAN Yuen-man, Under Secretary for Health, Mr Philip LO, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and Mr Jeffrey LAM, VTC Chairman. The launch of the Dental Training Centre marks a new chapter in the training of dental hygienists and the development of primary oral healthcare services in Hong Kong.

The Dental Training Centre serves as the dedicated training facility for the Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene programme offered by the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), a VTC member institution. Equipped with advanced clinical and simulation facilities, the Dental Training Centre provides a comprehensive learning environment to nurture future dental hygienists with professional knowledge and clinical competencies, in support of the Government’s policy direction of promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare.

Dr Cecilia FAN Yuen-man, Under Secretary for Health, said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has long attached great importance to the nurturing of dental care professionals (DenCPs). The establishment of the Dental Training Centre marks a new milestone in the training and development of local dental professionals and will cultivate more competent DenCPs, thereby injecting new impetus into the industry. The Government will continue to push ahead with the development of primary dental services to enhance the oral health of citizens and build a “Healthy Hong Kong”.

Mr Philip LO, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said that “Health” and “Development of Professionals” are key focus areas of The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust. The Club has long attached great importance to the development of primary healthcare services in Hong Kong and the cultivation of relevant professionals, with a view to addressing the community’s long-term need for quality healthcare services. Looking ahead, through cross-project collaboration, the Club will continue to advance its efforts to strengthen preventive and primary healthcare services, nurture healthcare professionals, and promote healthy lifestyles, with a view to enhancing the physical and mental well-being of the community.

Mr Jeffrey LAM, VTC Chairman, expressed his gratitude to The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation and to the Health Bureau for its strong support in establishing the Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre. He said that as the HKSAR Government continues to advance primary healthcare development, oral healthcare remains an essential part of the preventive and community-based care. The Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre not only strengthens Hong Kong’s capacity for training dental hygienists, but also demonstrates the value of cross-sector collaboration in nurturing professional talent. VTC will continue to leverage its strengths in vocational and professional education and training (VPET) to nurture talent and support the long-term development of Hong Kong’s healthcare service sector.

Advanced facilities integrating simulation and clinical practice

Located at the Chai Wan campus of IVE, the Dental Training Centre spans around 18,000 square feet and comprises three major areas: the Treatment Training Hall, Simulation Laboratory and The Jockey Club Dental Care Visitor Centre. By integrating simulation training, clinical practicum and community education, it offers one-stop professional training that bridges classroom learning and practical application.

The Treatment Training Hall is equipped with dental digital X-ray equipment, disinfection and sterilisation systems, and 32 dental units fitted with scaling equipment, providing a learning environment that closely resembles a real dental clinic. Under the supervision of registered dentists, students participate in clinical practicums involving real cases, applying classroom knowledge while enhancing their clinical skills, patient communication and professional judgement. The Hall is also equipped with an automated waterline management system, an independent water disinfection system for each dental unit, and a high-standard sterilisation room, enabling students to master infection control and instrument management procedures in line with industry standards.

The Dental Training Centre also features a Simulation Laboratory equipped with advanced simulation units, allowing students to practise various treatment procedures and become familiar with clinical workflows in a safely simulated environment before providing treatment to patients. In addition, The Jockey Club Dental Care Visitor Centre regularly organises public education activities to promote oral health knowledge through workshops, talks and virtual reality (VR) interactive experiences. Students may take part in health education and community outreach activities, putting into practice the role of dental hygienists in preventive dental care and oral health education, while fostering a patient-centred professional service mindset.

Putting learning into practice for the benefit of the community

Through the Promotion of Dental Hygiene and Preventive Dental Service Scheme, members of the public are invited to register for free oral examinations and consultation services, which are delivered by students under the guidance of registered dentists and dental care professionals. After screening by registered dentists, eligible participants will be offered free scaling, dental digital X-ray examinations and oral care consultations by students. The scheme enables students to put their learning into practice as future dental hygienists, while supporting the Government’s policy of promoting prevention-oriented primary oral healthcare.

Since the launch of the scheme at the end of last year, 1,800 people have completed registration and initial screening, and nearly 1,500 participants have received the services. With the Dental Training Centre now officially in operation, the scheme is expected to benefit more people in need while providing students with more clinical practicum opportunities. In addition, teachers and students have actively reached out to the community by visiting community centres, schools and NGOs to promote oral health knowledge. To date, around 120 activities have been organised, attracting more than 3,400 participants. These activities provide students with valuable opportunities to apply their professional knowledge while raising public awareness of preventive dental care.

Strong support from different sectors as first cohort prepares to enter the profession

The 18-month Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene programme offered by IVE has been accredited by the Dental Council of Hong Kong. It is the second programme in Hong Kong specifically designed to train dental hygienists. It features vocational skills-oriented training that integrates theory with practice. All the 60 students of the first cohort graduated this summer. Upon fulfilling the relevant statutory registration procedures, they may register as dental hygienists and join public and private dental service organisations, helping to strengthen Hong Kong's dental care workforce.

To nurture more dental care professionals, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has established the Hong Kong Jockey Club Tuition Sponsorship Scheme for Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene. Subject to fulfilment of specified conditions, eligible students may receive tuition fee sponsorship of up to HK$140,000.

With the support and collaboration among the Government, the education sector and charitable organisations, more aspiring individuals are expected to pursue careers in dental care, helping to address the growing demand for primary oral healthcare services and supporting the long-term development of preventive dental care in Hong Kong.

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge, and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT),  the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI),  the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: www.vtc.edu.hk

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