In Hong Kong, a highly developed international city, an official data on professional talents reveals a noteworthy phenomenon in the field of medical services. According to the Hong Kong Dental Council, as of mid-2025, there are 2623 officially registered practicing dentists in Hong Kong. According to the latest population projection benchmark of the Census and Statistics Department during the same period, the “resident population” of Hong Kong is about 7.5275 million. Based on this calculation, on average, each registered dentist in Hong Kong needs to serve about 2870 citizens.
This number far exceeds many international metropolises, and it coldly reveals the ongoing supply and demand pressure in the dental service market in Hong Kong, as well as clearly pointing to a promising career blue ocean.
Where does the gap come from? Not just numbers, but also structural challenges
- Population structure pressure: Hong Kong is one of the oldest regions in the world, and the trend of population aging continues. The demand for complex dental treatment, restoration, and maintenance among the elderly has surged, placing higher demands on the number and specialized abilities of dentists.
- Talent renewal demand: The stable growth of professional teams requires fresh blood. To this end, the Hong Kong Legislative Council passed the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance in 2024, aiming to open up new avenues for introducing qualified non local trained dentists. The government has explicitly stated that various measures to attract talent are important driving forces for maintaining population stability and supporting social development.
- Policy initiative to “open the door”: The new regulations have added “limited registration” and “special registration” channels, allowing eligible non local dentists to work in designated public institutions. After serving for a certain period of time and passing the assessment, one can apply for formal registration. This is not only a policy gap, but also a “fast lane” actively paved by the government for professional talents.
Opportunities are right in front of us, but how can we get admission tickets?
For non locally trained dentists (including outstanding mainland dentists), the most important and autonomous channel is still to challenge the Hong Kong Dental Council Licensing Examination (HKDLE).
This is a rigorous qualification certification, divided into three parts:
- Part 1 written test: covering professional knowledge in various core disciplines of dentistry.
- Part 2 Practical Exam: The ultimate test of dexterity and standardization in hand operations.
- Part 3 Clinical Exam: Assessing diagnostic thinking, treatment decision-making, and communication skills in simulated clinical situations is of utmost importance in screening.
Although this path is challenging, it can directly obtain comprehensive professional qualifications, and future development is not restricted. It is a choice to truly master the initiative of the profession.
The key leap from “seeing opportunities” to “seizing opportunities” lies in the systematic preparation for exams
Realizing opportunities is only the first step. The licensing test is known for its wide coverage and high standard requirements for “Hong Kong style clinical thinking”. Preparing for exams alone often faces difficulties such as scattered materials, difficulty in grasping key points, and difficulty in overcoming differences in thinking, which can easily lead to confusion and half the effort.
Investing precious time and energy into a scientifically designed and targeted systematic training program is undoubtedly the most efficient and stable investment. Professional guidance can not only help you clarify the complex knowledge system, but also accurately train the clinical decision-making logic required for the exam, allowing you to avoid detours and maximize the probability of turning “opportunities” into “achievements”.
CHENG HEI Education – Be the Most Reliable Navigator on Your Path to Practicing in Hong Kong
Faced with the vast world behind 1:2870, what you need is not only a passion, but also a clear roadmap and peers. Zhengxi Education’s Hong Kong Dental Licensing (HKDLE) Full Course Lecture Class was born for this purpose.
- Science curriculum system: Our curriculum strictly corresponds to the three parts of the licensing exam, not only teaching knowledge, but also focusing on building a clinical thinking framework that meets the expectations of the examiner, helping you to bridge the key path from “knowing” to “passing the exam”.
- Authoritative faculty guidance: The course is led by mentors with top academic backgrounds and rich practical experience in both China and Hong Kong. They are well versed in the essence of exams and differences in thinking, and can provide you with the targeted guidance you need most.
- Comprehensive Preparation Support: From precise application guidance and systematic knowledge explanation to practical training and clinical case analysis, we provide support throughout the entire preparation process to help you move forward steadily.
Choice determines the future, action begins in the present
1: 2870, this is not just a ratio. It is a clear signal from market demand and an important opportunity for career development. Hong Kong has opened its doors through legislative amendments, and the window of opportunity has opened. Whether you can successfully land on this professional highland depends on your judgment and actions today.
Instead of exploring alone in the ocean of information, it’s better to join a mature system and empower yourself with professional expertise.