- Cover Story
- Expressions Summer 2025
New Chapter for HKU Dentistry
Professor Lijian Jin assumes Deanship of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry
The HKU Faculty of Dentistry proudly welcomes Professor Lijian Jin as its newly appointed Dean, beginning a 5-year term on 16 July 2025. After serving as Acting Dean since 1 July 2024, Professor Jin now officially steps into the role of Dean, bringing with him a distinguished record of academic leadership, a deep commitment to advancing the dental profession, and a bold vision for innovation, collaboration, and global impact.
This appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Faculty as it continues to pursue excellence across dental education, research and innovation, knowledge exchange, global engagement, and professional healthcare services. With Professor Jin at the helm, HKU Dentistry is set to lead a new era in global oral health advancement. Over the past year, his stewardship as Acting Dean has already left a lasting impact on the Faculty’s development and strategic direction.
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Dean of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry,” said Professor Jin. “The notable achievements of the past year would not have been possible without the ongoing support and great efforts of all Faculty members. I am truly grateful to the dedication and teamwork of our exceptional colleagues, students, alumni, partners, and collaborators.”
Professor Jin and the newly formed Faculty leadership team.
During his tenure as Acting Dean, Professor Jin steered the Faculty’s climb from third to second place in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Dentistry) for 2025. He also championed interdisciplinary collaboration across HKU, working closely with the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Engineering, and Faculty of Science to establish the new HKU School of Biomedical Engineering. Beyond HKU, he initiated proactive engagement and forged strong partnerships with Hong Kong’s five major dental stakeholders — the Department of Health, Dental Council of Hong Kong, College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Dental Association, and the Prince Philip Dental Hospital — to strengthen ties and better serve the community in Hong Kong and beyond.
The Faculty has also expanded its global network and collaborations, most notably through the launch of the “Global Hub for Future Dentistry” at the Inauguration Ceremony of the Global University Innovation Network in July 2025. Established in close partnership with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation and the HKU Techno-Entrepreneurship Core, this initiative aims to attract innovative teams from around the world to Hong Kong, enhancing translational research and fostering entrepreneurship in dental science.
The notable achievements of the past year would not have been possible without the ongoing support and great efforts of all Faculty members. I am truly grateful to the dedication and teamwork of our exceptional colleagues, students, alumni, partners, and collaborators.
In addition to actively engaging external stakeholders, Professor Jin is deeply committed to enriching the working environment of the Faculty. Over the past year, his leadership has fortified the Faculty’s infrastructure, elevated staff potential, and cultivated a collaborative spirit — paving the way for sustained growth and excellence. He has also played a key role in implementing the new graduate internship programme and refining the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) curriculum through strong teamwork, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern dentistry.
Building on this solid foundation, the Faculty has also launched the “Global Education Hub for Oral Healthcare Professionals”, a central platform for delivering up-to-date scientific evidence and professional education to dental practitioners, empowering them to better serve their communities. In the coming years, the Faculty will expand its high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes for oral health professionals, with the aim of strengthening its global network and amplifying its international impact.
Professor Lijian Jin commenced his five-year term as Dean on 16 July 2025
Reflecting on the Faculty’s recent milestones, Professor Jin remarked: “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. Our achievements in global rankings, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regional and international partnerships are a testament to the vision and hard work of our entire community.”
As the Faculty charts its path forward, it remains steadfast in its mission to nurture talent, attract outstanding students and experts from around the globe, and drive innovative research that addresses real-world challenges in dentistry. It will continue to foster an entrepreneurial spirit and lead the way in developing new technologies and service models in oral healthcare. Professor Jin laid out his bold vision: “Our ultimate goal is to establish the Faculty as a global hub for dentistry and oral healthcare professionals.” He also introduced the Faculty’s new motto — “Tomorrow’s Dentistry Starts Today!” — a powerful declaration that embodies a forward-thinking ethos and unwavering commitment to shaping the future of the field.
I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together. Our achievements in global rankings, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regional and international partnerships are a testament to the vision and hard work of our entire community.
A member of the HKU community since 1994, Professor Jin brings extensive experience to his new role, currently serving as Clinical Professor in Periodontology and Modern Dental Laboratory Professor in Clinical Dental Science. Over the years, he has held several Faculty leadership posts, including Associate Dean for Mainland and Global Affairs, and Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Enterprise.
Internationally, Professor Jin is a well-recognised expert in periodontology, having held numerous influential positions that reflect his dedication to promoting global oral health. These include serving as Councillor of the FDI World Dental Federation (2015–2021), Chair of the FDI Global Periodontal Health Project Task Team (2016–2021), Chair of the FDI Science Committee (2012–2015), Member of the IADR Board of Directors (2018–2021), President of the IADR–Asia Pacific Region (2019–2020), and Chair of the IADR Task Group in Periodontal Disease – Global Oral Health Inequalities: the Research Agenda (GOHIRA) (2009–2012). He currently serves as a Board Member of the International Academy of Periodontology and the Vice-Chairman of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area Oral Health Alliance, positions he has held since 2012 and 2018, respectively. His global perspective and proven leadership services will be invaluable as the Faculty expands its international footprint and leads transformative change in dentistry.
The Faculty extends its heartfelt congratulations to Professor Jin on his appointment, as well as to the newly formed Deanery team. With their visionary leadership and collective expertise, the Faculty is poised to thrive and reach new heights, both regionally and globally.
