A survey by the China Health Department in 2003 indicated that about 2/3 of the Chinese on the Mainland are suffering from a certain degree of periodontal disease. Though the local situation is not as bad, many Hong Kong citizens are affected by the disease. Proper daily cleaning does not completely eliminate this problem, and very often, professional help from a dental hygienist is needed. In response to the needs of the community, the College and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital are offering this 2-year Higher Diploma programme in Dental Hygiene with the support of the Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong.

This Programme aims to provide the relevant professional training needed to prepare you for a career in dental hygiene. On completion, you will be qualified to serve as a member of a dental team, capable of controlling and preventing periodontal disease and dental caries.

All clinical training sessions will be held at Prince Philip Dental Hospital and clinical placement may be arranged for students to work in or visit government, HKU or private dental clinics.

Graduates can enrol as Dental Hygienists of the Dental Council and can practise dental hygiene in Hong Kong.

Graduate can apply for further degree study in Biological Sciences, Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine or related subjects in universities overseas or locally through the Non-JUPAS route. The College is liaising with overseas universities for degree programme articulation.

Holders of the Higher Diploma in Dental Hygiene are qualified to practise dental hygiene as Dental Hygienists and are permitted to treat patients with periodontal problems in Hong Kong. Alternatively, graduates can choose to work as oral health educators in promoting dental health to the general public.

Applicants shall:
1. be at least 18 years of age with good general health, competent in both Cantonese and English (spoken and written) ; and

2. have gained three passes in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)*, including a science subject (preferably Biology or Human Biology), plus Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language, or equivalent, or have gained five passes in the HKCEE* including Grade E or above in pre 2007 HKCEE for Chinese Language, English Language and a science subject (preferably Biology or Human Biology) or equivalent; and

3. have a pass in one AL subject or two AS subjects in the HKALE, or equivalent ; or hold a recognised Pre-Associate Degree / Foundation Programme; or hold a recognised post-secondary certificate or diploma; or equivalent.

Note 1: Special consideration may be given to those with 3 passes in HKCEE including a science subject, plus Level 2 or above in Chinese Language and English Language or five passes in the HKCEE including Grade E or above in pre 2007 HKCEE for Chinese Language, English Language and a science subject, or equivalent; and who have experience of working in a dental clinic and/or are holders of a Certificate in Dental Surgery Assisting or equivalent. Candidates in this category must show good aptitude of becoming a Dental Hygienist.

Note 2: Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but who are aged 21 or above with relevant working experience will be considered by the College.

Note 3*: Students who have successfully completed a quality-assured Applied Learning Course will be recognised as comparable to a HKCEE subject pass (up to a maximum of two subjects), excluding Chinese Language and English Language.