Media

Organised by the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) and funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, The Jockey Club Children Oral Health Project (JCCOHP) celebrated the successful launch of its Oral Health Promotion Roadshow on 29 July. The event brought together residents, district health centres and volunteers for a day of fun, education and community bonding.

Launched in 2019, JCCOHP aims to screen preschool children for tooth decay, manage existing cavities, and prevent further decay. To enhance oral health in the community, the JCCOHP is hosting an oral health promotion roadshow in districts with higher rates of tooth decay among preschool children. Through a series of exhibitions and interactive activities, children are encouraged to establish lasting dental care habits.

The launch ceremony of the roadshow and fun day was held at the Wong Tai Sin Temple Mall North and attended by over 450 participants. Highlights included engaging oral health game booth activities, informative oral health education presentations, lively performances by local kindergarten students and health education exhibitions.

Guests attended the ceremony included Dr David Lam Tzit-yuen, Legislative Council member for Medical and Health Services, HKSAR; Ms Bernadette Lam, Deputy Executive Manager (Charities) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Dr Spencer Chan Chiu-yee, President of the Hong Kong Dental Association; Dr Alex Chau Man-him, Senior Dental Officer of the Department of Health, and representatives from supporting organisations that have long-term partnership with the JCCOHP.

“We are thrilled with the enthusiastic participation and positive response from the community,” said Prof Edward Lo Chin-man, Chair of Dental Public Health of the Faculty of Dentistry, HKU. “This event not only celebrated our new community oral health initiative but also reinforced our commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected community through the university’s knowledge exchange activities.”

“Currently, the government provides full rate subsidy dental services for individuals with greater needs or vulnerable groups. We hope that the government can expand its support to assist many elderly people who are capable of self-care by sharing the costs of their dental treatment. Looking ahead over the next few years, I expect the government to actively promote community dental care and providing sufficient support to those in need. At the same time, I also hope to encourage more dentists to participate in such activities, working together to achieve the great goal of Oral Health for All.” said Dr David Lam Tzit-yuen, Legislative Councillor – Medical and Health Services.

The first phase of the project concluded in 2022/23, which provided more than 190,000 oral examinations for students in more than 750 kindergartens in Hong Kong, and silver diamine fluoride treatment for 230,000 cases of tooth decay. Building on the project’s success, the Trust extended its support for the second phase of the project, starting in the 2023/24 school year, aiming to provide free services in kindergartens and promote the importance of oral health in the community.

The event successfully raised awareness about key oral health issues and provided valuable resources to residents, emphasising the importance of active oral health habits and preventive care. The collaboration with local schools, district health centres and volunteers was instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful experience. JCCOHP extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners and supporters who made this event possible. Plans are already underway for future community activities as part of this ongoing initiative.

For more information about JCCOHP, please visit https://www.jccohp.hku.hk or contact us at jccohp@hku.hk.

Media enquiries:
Ms. Grace Yeung
Email: jccohp@hku.hk Phone: 3499 0170

About JCCOHP
The Jockey Club Children Oral Health Project (JCCOHP) is committed to advancing community oral health and well-being through providing free-of-charge outreach services at kindergartens, education talks for parents, empowering teachers to deliver oral health education, promoting community awareness, and reducing the prevalence of dental caries in preschool children across Hong Kong.