- Dean’s Message
- Expressions Summer 2022
Ensure Proper Clinical Operations
Professor Thomas Flemmig
Maintain the clinical training of our students and provide continuity of care to patients
The year of the tiger started with a big roar. Just when many of us thought the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong was under control, the Omicron variant arrived. Within a very short time, the 5th wave of the pandemic brought our clinical operation to its knees. Working with all stakeholders, we quickly revised the already enhanced infection control protocols, implemented a comprehensive COVID-19 surveillance for all staff and students, and held nightly clinic conferences to determine the staffing of the various clinics for the following day. This flexible day-by-day planning during the height of the 5th wave allowed us to largely maintain the clinical education of our BDS and TPg students and provide continuity of care to patients. The pictures nicely demonstrate the difference in the level of activity at our clinics compared to the HKU main campus at the height of the 5th wave.
Photo 1: Comprehensive Dental Care Clinic
Photo 2: HKU Main Campus
Our Oral Health Research and Innovation initiative is shaping up nicely. We have recruited several professoriate staff who bring new expertise in Advanced Therapeutic Innovation, Biofunctional Materials, Developmental Biology, Microbiology, Oral Biology, Stem Cell Biology, and Translational Studies to our Faculty. With additional recruitments underway we will continue to explore new areas of discovery and innovate to enhance oral health and well-being in Hong Kong and beyond.
The Prince Philip Dental Hospital has changed over the years, so has the teaching and learning, research, and knowledge exchange conducted inside. The Hospital now accommodates a total of 8 clinical, para-dental, and research programmes with almost 700 students.
While we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Dentistry this year and cherishing the achievements and memories of the past, it is also important that we look ahead. Just as much as the environment around the Prince Philip Dental Hospital has changed over the years (see the article “Olden Days”), so has the teaching and learning, research, and knowledge exchange conducted inside. The Hospital now accommodates a total of 8 clinical, para-dental, and research programmes with almost 700 students. To build on the academic and clinical excellence, all stakeholders need to come together and plan for the next 40 years of HKU Dentistry.
I look forward to seeing you at our 40th anniversary events and celebrations.
Professor Thomas F. Flemmig
Kingboard Professor in Advanced Dentistry
Dean of Faculty of Dentistry