Hong Kong dental internship policy eases public sector manpower crunch

Hong Kong's first cohort of dental graduates under the mandatory 12-month internship program saw over 60% join the Department of Health, significantly easing the public sector's manpower shortage. The policy, enacted via a 2024 amendment to the Dentists Registration Ordinance, aims to enhance clinical training and address workforce gaps. The outcome suggests the controversial measure is achieving its intended effect, though long-term retention and quality impacts remain uncertain.