Core

Seminar 1

Speaker

Professor Paul W.C. Wong

Speaker

Dr Camille Chan

Topic

Oral Health Literacy and Public Education Gaps — with a Mental Health Lens

Abstract

Oral health literacy in Hong Kong remains critically underdeveloped. Structural discontinuities, particularly the absence of school-based dental services in secondary schools, contribute to the critical deficit in individual’s knowledge. This seminar examines the perpetuating cycle formed by low oral health literacy, dental anxiety, and avoidance, and how these effects on individual’s oral health-related quality of life. Integrating evidence from public health, psychology, and trauma research, participants will explore how childhood adversity shapes adult dental behaviour. The seminar also discusses dental phobia as a diagnosable and treatable condition, and encourages the profession to reframe dental consultations as avenues for promoting overall physical and mental health.

Biography

Professor Paul W.C. Wong is an accredited registered clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong. He has a background as a registered clinical psychologist specializing in suicide prevention research and mental health promotion and practice since 2003. His recent research projects encompass various areas, including youth social withdrawal behavior, the utilization of animals in educational and psychological interventions, positive youth development among local and non-Chinese young individuals, and family caregiving for individuals with psychological issues and people incarceration. His primary research objective is to foster social inclusion within our society and has published over 130 academic articles and book chapters. Additionally, Professor Wong is currently the General Secretary of the Asia Pacific Psychological Alliance, National Member Delegate of The International Union of Psychological Science, Council members and Fellows of the Hong Kong Psychological Society and the Hong Kong Professional Counselling Association. He serves as the Programme Director of the Master of Social Science (Counselling) and has received the Faculty of Social Science's Research Output and Knowledge Exchange Awards in 2015 and 2020 and 2024, respectively and have been awarded with several TDGs. Moreover, he serves as advisors and consultants of government bodies, i.e., the Education Bureau, and non-governmental organizations, e.g., MindHK, Zubin Foundation, and Youth Outreach.

Dr Camille Chan is a mental health researcher whose work focuses on the well-being of helping professionals and caregivers in Hong Kong, including veterinarians, social workers, and families of autistic children. Her doctoral research examined stressors, suicide risk, and mental health outcomes among Hong Kong veterinarians, informing education and prevention initiatives. She has designed and evaluated wellness programmes such as animal-assisted mental health education for veterinary students and mindful coaching to reduce burnout in social workers. She also engages in suicide bereavement research and the veterinary social work community. In addition to research, she teaches animal welfare at the University of Hong Kong and provides guest lectures on wellness for veterinary students at the City University of Hong Kong.

Core

Seminar 2

Speaker

Professor Phoebe Lam

Topic

The Dental Care Playbook: The Art of War-Inspired Approaches to Improve Family Engagement and Behaviour

Abstract

Patients with neurodevelopmental conditions, along with their families, often encounter a range of challenges and barriers when seeking access to oral healthcare services. These obstacles can include hypersensitivity, communication difficulties, complex medical conditions, and environmental factors that hinder effective treatment. Addressing these unique needs requires healthcare professionals to develop specialized, patient-centred communication and management strategies. Such tailored approaches are crucial for enhancing oral health outcomes and bridging disparities in oral healthcare access among vulnerable populations. The upcoming lecture will initiate with an in-depth examination of the specific difficulties and barriers faced by patients with neurodevelopmental conditions. It will also discuss potential solutions and adaptive strategies that are customized to meet the diverse conditions of these patients. Additionally, the session will delve into personalized behavioural management techniques, supported by relevant case studies to illustrate their practical application. To add a unique perspective, the presentation will incorporate strategic concepts inspired by the "Art of War," highlighting effective behavioural management tactics in contemporary patient care. By the conclusion of the session, participants will be equipped with a broader understanding of the challenges faced by these vulnerable groups. They will also gain practical skills in effective patient communication, enabling them to better support patients with neurodevelopmental conditions and their families. Ultimately, this knowledge and skill set will contribute to more compassionate, effective, and equitable oral healthcare delivery, improving the quality of life for these patients.

Biography

Professor Phoebe Lam is a Clinical Assistant Professor in Paediatric Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong. Professor Lam actively engages in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching in paediatric dentistry, and her contributions were recognised with the 2024 Early Career Teaching Award and Faculty Outstanding Teaching Award from HKU. Her research interests focus on paediatric dentistry, caries prevention among children, and dental care for individuals with special needs. Her research findings have been published in esteemed medical and dental scientific journals. Professor Lam is deeply committed to promoting oral health among underprivileged and special-needs populations. Her team has been honoured with multiple service awards for their impactful projects across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Uganda, Tanzania, Togo, and other developing regions. Additionally, she was awarded the Red Cross Hong Kong Humanity Youth Power Award in 2025.