An unforgettable journey to bring oral health education and outreach services to remote indigenous communities in the Philippines. From 28 February to 8 March 2026, a team from the HKU Faculty of Dentistry, together with colleagues from the University of the Philippines Manila, travelled to Palawan Island for the “Oral Health among Indigenous People on Palawan Island” Knowledge Exchange and Community Outreach Project. Organised in collaboration with the HKU Wong How Man Centre for Exploration, the China Exploration and Research Society, and the University of the Philippines Manila, the project provided basic oral health examinations and shared information on the health risks of betel nut chewing and the importance of age estimation.

Over 5 days, the team served 226 people across 3 sites, 2 jungle villages and 1 island village, including 116 children under 12, as well as 110 adolescents and adults. In addition to oral health screenings, the team also delivered oral health education tailored to local community needs.

This KE project was one of the 7 award-winning initiatives recognised at the Faculty’s KE Award Ceremony 2026, with team members including Professor Gloria Wong, Professor Mihai Tarce, Professor Colman McGrath, Professor Phoebe Lam, Professor Ke Deng, and Professor Andrew Nalley.