On 22 April 2026, the Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK) issued an official letter to all registered dentists, updating the profession on key progress and implementation details under the amended Dentists Registration Ordinance (DRO). The major updates cover two regulatory frameworks: the Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Programme for Dentists and the Statutory Registration System for Dental Hygienists.
I. Mandatory CPD Programme for Dentists (Effective 1 July 2026)
Under the amended DRO, fulfilling CPD requirements will become a mandatory prerequisite for all registered dentists—including those with full, limited, and special registration—to obtain or renew their annual practising certificates.
1. Cycle Structure and Credit Requirements
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Commencement Date: The programme will officially launch on 1 July 2026.
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CPD Cycle: Each cycle covers a 12-month period from 1 July of each year to 30 June of the following year.
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Minimum Requirement: Dentists must complete a minimum of 10 CPD points per cycle, with no fewer than 3 points obtained from core CPD activities.
2. Programme Administrators and Administration System The Council has endorsed the relevant guidelines and appointed 4 Programme Administrators, an Accreditation Panel, and 23 Programme Providers. Registered dentists are required to enrol with one appointed Administrator before the start of the first mandatory cycle on 1 July 2026:
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The College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong
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Hong Kong Dental Association
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Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong
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Department of Health (for its dental officers only)
In addition, the Department of Health is developing a new Continuing Professional Development Information System (CPDIS), scheduled for release within 2026 to facilitate online record management and reporting.
II. Statutory Registration System for Dental Hygienists (Targeted Q3 2026)
To ensure service quality and formalize professional oversight, a new statutory registration system is being introduced for Dental Care Professionals (DenCPs). The first stage focuses on the registration of dental hygienists.
1. Registration Timeline and Scope of Practice
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Target Launch: Subject to legislative progress, the registration system for dental hygienists is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026. Dental hygienists currently on the Roll will need to register afresh under the new system and renew their practising certificates annually.
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Prescribed Scope of Service: The scope of practice for registered dental hygienists includes cleaning and polishing teeth surfaces not covered by gums, topical application of fluoride and sealants, taking intra-oral or extra-oral radiographs, and scaling teeth.
2. Practice Compliance for Registered Dentists Pursuant to section 27 of the DRO, it is unlawful for dentists to allow any unregistered individual to practise dentistry on premises under their control. Dentists must ensure that hygienists provide specific services (such as scaling or radiography) only after a registered dentist has examined the patient and prescribed the treatment, and with a registered dentist present on the premises during service delivery.
III. Professional Compliance and Career Outlook
The Dental Council reminds all practitioners to maintain full compliance with the DRO, the Private Healthcare Facilities Ordinance (Cap. 633), the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (Cap. 650), and the latest Code of Professional Discipline.
As the regulatory framework in Hong Kong continues to enhance professional standards, staying informed about official regulatory updates is essential for both local practitioners and dentists seeking career development in Hong Kong.
Exam Eligibility & HKDLE Consultation with Zency Education
For mainland dental practitioners and graduates planning to sit for the Hong Kong Dental Licensing Examination (HKDLE), navigating administrative requirements and document verification can be intricate. Zency Education provides comprehensive guidance throughout the application and preparation process:
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Eligibility & Document Assessment: Professional guidance on qualification evaluation, university verification, and Certificate of Good Standing submission requirements.
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Structured Examination Support: Systematic preparation courses tailored for Part 1 (Written), Part 2 (Practical), and Part 3 (Clinical) examinations to align with local clinical standards.
For detailed HKDLE eligibility evaluation and course inquiries, please contact the advisory team at Zency Education.