40 Years & Going Strong

Dean’s Message
Expressions Winter 2022

Nurture Talents, Advance Oral Health

Professor Thomas Flemmig speaks at the 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner

We just celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Faculty of Dentistry. It was a great pleasure to see so many of you at the various events. I hope you had a great time, reconnected with your colleagues, and made many new friends.

It all started with a vision of the Legislative Council to enhance the access to oral healthcare for the people of Hong Kong. At the time in 1974, there were merely 11 dentists per 100,000 people. The Faculty of Dentistry was founded at The University of Hong Kong in 1982 and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital was built to “provide facilities for the training of dentists and other persons in professions supplementary to dentistry”.

With the contribution of generations of accomplished academics, talented students, dedicated alumni, and outstanding administrators, HKU Dentistry has evolved into the comprehensive academic institution it is today.

Professor Thomas Flemmig

With the contribution of generations of accomplished academics, talented students, dedicated alumni, and outstanding administrators, HKU Dentistry has evolved into the comprehensive academic institution it is today. It now provides undergraduate and postgraduate education, conducts world-class biomedical research, and serves the society by providing healthcare and engaging in knowledge exchange.

HKU Dentistry is a world-leading academic dental institution as demonstrated, among others, by three No. 1 and two No. 2 positions at the QS World University Rankings by Subject. So far, no other dental institution has achieved that. It is a testament to academic excellence led by a shared vision of being the global leader in oral health science, education and professional care as well as driven by a team of dedicated and talented staff, students, and alumni. Such a remarkable success would not have been possible without the intellectually stimulating environment at The University of Hong Kong and the invaluable support of the members of the Prince Philip Dental Hospital.

Nurture generations of dentists and researchers; Advance oral health through discovery and innovation

Since the Legislative Council articulated its original vision for the development of oral healthcare in Hong Kong, the number of dentists per 100,000 people has tripled. Although major advances have been made, high-quality oral healthcare remains out of reach for many people in Hong Kong. Now is the time to build on the collective achievements and develop a vision that makes Hong Kong a leader in the delivery of oral healthcare. The Government just started an initiative to review the existing delivery model and work on a long-term strategy for oral healthcare. Our Faculty is excited to contribute to the initiative and work with the various stakeholders to advance oral health and well-being of the people of Hong Kong and beyond.

Professor Thomas Flemmig
Kingboard Professor in Advanced Dentistry
Dean of HKU Faculty of Dentistry

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