I. Introduction

According to a survey in China, eight billion people on the Mainland are suffering from some degree of periodontal disease. Although the situation in Hong Kong is not as bad, there are still a large number of people with gum disease. Simply educating the public about the proper way to clean teeth is not sufficient to eradicate the problem; professional help from a well trained dental hygienist may be required in many cases. In response to the demands of the community, the Hospital together with HKU SPACE Community College is offering a 2-year Higher Diploma programme in Dental Hygiene commencing 2002 with the support of the Faculty of Dentistry of The University of Hong Kong (HKU). The Hospital is the only teaching institute in Hong Kong providing such training.

II. Course Aims

This Higher Diploma Programme aims to provide the relevant professional training and knowledge needed to prepare the Student Dental Hygienists for a career in dental hygiene. On completion of the Programme, students will be qualified for registration to serve as members of a dental team, and will be capable of controlling and preventing periodontal diseases and dental caries.

III. Course Structure

The programme is a two-year (22 months) full-time course consisting of two essential components:

The Dental Hygiene specialism and the Generic Skills subject modules (Putonghua, Mathematics and Statistics for Daily Life Applications, Introduction to Information Technology, General English, English for Academic and Professional Purposes, Business Communication in English, Practical Chinese and Intra- and Inter-personal Competencies).

Students are required to complete 27 credits in Generic Skills subject modules and 76 credits in the Dental Hygiene specialism subjects within 2 years.  Modules are taught throughout the calendar year, including the summer period.

IV. Dental Hygiene Curriculum

The Dental Hygiene course consists of two parts:

1. Problem-based Learning (PBL)
   
   The PBL curriculum offers an integrated, problem-based curriculum with emphasis on student-centered learning, which is socially and culturally relevant and community-oriented.  It is adopted following its successful introduction to the medical and dental curriculum at HKU.  The PBL curriculum includes the following topics:
   
   

   • Cariology	• Patients with Special Needs
   • Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics	• Periodontology
   • Dental Anatomy	• Pharmacology
   • Dental Radiography and Radiology	• Preventive Dentistry
   • General Anatomy and Physiology	• Behavioural Science
   • General Histology	• Diet and Nutrition
   • General Pathology	• Fluorides and Fissure Sealant
   • Microbiology & Infection Control	• Oral Health Education
   • Oral Anatomy and Physiology	• Mechanical Plaque Control
   • Oral Histology	• Public Health
   • Oral Pathology

   
   
2. Clinical Training
   

   • Clinical sessions
   • Dental Health Education Project
   • Plaque Awareness Programme Education
   • Other learning activities include dental clinic visits and attachment to Government Oral Health Education Unit
   

V. Clinical Placement

Other than normal clinical practice sessions at the Hospital, clinical placement may be arranged for students to visit or work in the Government, HKU or private dental clinics.

VI. Further Study

Graduates of this programme can apply for further degree study in Biological Science, Nursing, Dentistry, Medicine or related subjects at local universities through Non-JUPAS.  The HKU SPACE Community College is also approaching overseas universities for articulation of degree programmes for graduates who may be interested in further study in Dental Hygiene.

VII. Professional Recognition

Graduates of this programme will be qualified to enrol as Dental Hygienists of The Dental Council of Hong Kong and can practise dental hygiene in Hong Kong.

VIII. Admission Requirements

IX. Commencement Date

September 2010  (date to be confirmed)  

X. Tuition Fee

HK$59,000 per annum by two equal instalments (tentative)
(Subject to annual revision and may be revised according to HKU SPACE's announcement and is non-refundable unless the course is cancelled)

XI. Financial Assistance

Students may apply for the Government's "Non-means Tested Loan Scheme for Post-Secondary Students" or "Financial Assistance Scheme for Post-Secondary Students" for loans/grants.

XII. Enquiries