The Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at HKU Dentistry and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital have launched the world’s first AI clinic for patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), aiming to improve early detection and prevention of oral cancer. The clinic, which began operating in April 2025, uses an AI tool called OralCancerPredict to assess cancer risk in patients with oral leukoplakia and oral lichenoid diseases. Developed by HKU researchers, the tool analyzes patient data to guide treatment decisions, offering high accuracy and helping clinicians identify high-risk individuals for early intervention.

Oral cancer, the most common head and neck malignancy, often goes undetected until advanced stages, contributing to a low global survival rate. In Hong Kong, around 60% of cases are diagnosed late, underscoring the need for proactive screening. The AI clinic provides free access to its predictive tool without increasing treatment costs and accepts patients referred by dental or medical practitioners. Led by Professor Richard Su and a team of specialists, the clinic offers personalized care and regular follow-ups, aiming to reduce unnecessary surgeries and improve long-term outcomes.