• Cover Story
• Expressions Winter 2023

SmilesForAll

Serving Hong Kong’s underprivileged with life-changing dental care

The impact of oral diseases should never be underestimated. Serious conditions, including oral cancer, inflamed gums, tooth decay, crooked teeth, and deformed faces, can have profound effects on an individual’s overall quality of life, career prospects, and education. Individuals with deformed facial features, chronic tooth and jaw pain, headaches, and bleeding gums, face challenges as simple as smiling, which can greatly impact their self-confidence, leading to feelings of self-consciousness, social withdrawal, and even thoughts of self-harm. The far-reaching consequences of oral diseases extend beyond physical discomfort, affecting psychological well-being and overall happiness. Unfortunately, for many underserved members of our community, accessing the specialised care they need remains an unattainable dream.

The HKU Dentistry SmilesForAll Advanced Dentistry Fund, established in November 2022, is dedicated to addressing the oral health needs of the underprivileged with advanced multidisciplinary dental care.

SmilesForAll patients receive advanced dental care at IAD-MSC.

Patients at SmilesForAll receive exceptional care at the Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Specialty Clinic (IAD-MSC), a significant undertaking of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry. Our mission is twofold: educating and training dental specialists in Hong Kong while offering affordable advanced dental care to those who suffer from severe and complex oral conditions.

IAD-MSC is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with 45 dental chairs, 6 day-surgery suites, and monitored anaesthesia care. With the latest technologies, local and international students in seven different dental disciplines can receive education and training in advanced dentistry and provide quality dental care for their patients. “We are proud to serve Hong Kong’s underprivileged in this modern facility with globally acclaimed dental expertise,” said Mr Gerhard Zielinski, Director of the IAD– MSC.

We are proud to serve Hong Kong’s underprivileged in this modern facility with globally acclaimed dental expertise.

It is not just the facility and expertise that sets SmilesForAll apart. Our work would not be possible without support from various sectors. With the generous donations from the Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund, the Wu Chung Family Charitable Foundation, and the Ho Man Fat Memorial Foundation, SmilesForAll has started providing advanced dental care to patients suffering from oral cancer, severe gum disease and early childhood caries. The combined contributions from philanthropic foundations and industry leaders have paved the way for SmilesForAll to expand its reach and make a tangible impact on the lives of those facing oral health challenges. The partnerships and support underscore the collective effort and shared commitment to improving oral health equity.

From left: Project Lead Professor George Pelekos, Chairman of the Board Straumann Group Mr Gilbert Achermann, Chairman of Azalea Endowment Fund Mr Wong Kai Man, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry Professor Thomas Flemmig, Director of IAD-MSC Mr Gerhard Zielinski at the launch ceremony of the Azalea Gum Treatment Project.

Oral Cancer

The treatment of oral cancer typically involves three phases. In the first phase, the overall oral health of the patient is improved by treating any existing oral diseases. Subsequently, the cancer, together with the surrounding bone and tissues, is surgically removed, often in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The final phase focuses on restoring patients’ oral function and aesthetic. However, publicly funded care in Hong Kong only covers the second phase, which often leaves patients with impaired speech, eating ability and facial aesthetics.

In collaboration with the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Faculty of Dentistry, SmilesForAll fills in the gap to deliver comprehensive end-to-end care for underprivileged oral cancer patients.

Early Childhood Caries

Dental caries, commonly known as tooth decay, is indeed a widespread non-communicable disease that has a significant impact on oral health globally. This severe oral health issue not only affects overall well-being but also frequently leads to pain, infection, and even tooth extraction. As a result, a child’s quality of life can be significantly compromised, causing challenges with eating, sleeping, and in more advanced cases, persistent pain and chronic infections, or poor growth patterns.

IAD-MSC is providing curative care, such as dental restorations or extraction of decayed teeth, for children aged 1 to 5, complementing the faculty-led Jockey Club Children Oral Health Project, which provides preventive dental care.

Advanced dental care makes a significant impact to those who have severe and complex diseases of the mouth and jaws. At HKU’s IAD-MSC, we have the expertise and technology to treat such diseases.

Severe Gum Disease

Approximately 10 to 20% of Hong Kong adults suffer from severe gum disease (periodontitis), which affects their chewing ability, dietary intake, general health, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life. Furthermore, the substantial treatment cost can often pose a barrier for the underprivileged.

With the aim of improving the patient’s oral and general health, chewing function, speech, socialising ability and confidence, IAD-MSC provides comprehensive periodontal dental treatment to at least 100 needy patients suffering from severe gum disease.

Professor Thomas Flemmig, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry said, “Advanced dental care makes a significant impact to those who have severe and complex diseases of the mouth and jaws. At HKU’s IAD-MSC, we have the expertise and technology to treat such diseases. With specialists from all the dental disciplines working together in a state-of-the-art facility, we can provide life-changing care to those who need it the most.”

Your Support, Their Healthy Smiles!

The SmilesForAll Advanced Dentistry Fund is positively impacting the lives of underprivileged individuals in Hong Kong. However, to continue providing essential dental care services and expanding its reach, the fund relies on the generous support of donors.

By making a donation, you can contribute to transforming lives through advanced dental care. Your support will enable the fund to continue providing vital dental treatments, education, and research to improve the oral health of Hong Kong’s most vulnerable populations. Together, we can create a brighter future for those in need.

Professor George Pelekos (centre), Project Lead of Azalea Gum Treatment Project performs dental check-up to patient.