• Recognition & Award
• Expressions Summer 2024

Faculty Knowledge Exchange Award

Empowering NGOs to improve older adults’ oral health

Professor Ollie Yu (back) provides training to a dental health professional in a community-based service model.

The Knowledge Exchange (KE) project titled “Empowering Non-governmental Organisations to Improve Older Adults’ Oral Health in Hong Kong with A Sustainable Model of Community-based Outreach”, led by Professor Ollie Yu, Clinical Assistant Professor in Cariology, has won the Faculty KE Award this year.

In Hong Kong, nine out of ten elderly citizens suffer from tooth decay, and nearly all experience gum disease. Unfortunately, many seniors are discouraged from seeking necessary dental care due to financial difficulties, mobility challenges, and a lack of information, all of which worsening their oral health. This initiative aims to address this pressing issue.

An elderly patient undergoes a dental check-up.

The project showcases the Faculty’s commitment to turning knowledge into real actions that bring tangible benefits to the community in need. We extend our gratitude to the partnering NGOs and the elderly for their participation in this initiative.

The project collaborates with various NGOs to create a sustainable model for community-based dental care. During the 2020-2024 academic year, the project team worked with four NGOs and organised more than 20 outreach activities, providing over 800 older adults with free dental check-ups, preventive care, personalised oral health advice, and education on maintaining good oral hygiene. Following dental check-ups, older adults in need of further dental treatment received follow-up care at the NGO-run dental clinics. Consultations on dental subsidy applications were also provided to assist eligible seniors facing financial difficulties.

“The project showcases the Faculty’s commitment to turning knowledge into real actions that bring tangible benefits to the community in need. We extend our gratitude to the partnering NGOs and the elderly for their participation in this initiative.” Professor Yu said.

Project team member delivers an oral health education talk to a group of elderly people.