Open for Application
Higher Diploma in Dental Hygiene
A Dental Hygienist is responsible for controlling and preventing periodontal diseases and dental caries through oral hygiene care and education.
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Course Introduction
The latest Oral Health Survey 2021 in Hong Kong identified significant challenges in the oral health of the local population, such as a high prevalence of tooth decay and periodontal disease. Primary dental care focusing on prevention is pivotal to achieving lifelong oral health. Dental hygienists play a crucial role in promoting oral health through education and promotion of proper oral care practices and the provision of preventive oral care.
In response to the demands of the community, the Hospital together with HKU SPACE offers a 2-year Higher Diploma programme in Dental Hygiene. This programme aims to provide professional training for a career in dental hygiene, encompassing a range of oral health assessment and management of common oral diseases. Clinical training will take place at the Hospital, with opportunities for visits to various dental clinics.
Study Mode
Full-time
Commencement Date
1 September 2026
TentativeDuration of Study
2 Years
Tuition Fee
HK$73,500
per academic year
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
• Level 2 or above in five subjects*† (including English Language and Chinese Language#); AND
• Level 2 or above in Biology or Level 3 or above in Combined Science (Biology), or equivalent;
OR
Other Qualifications
• Diploma in Foundation Studies; or
• Diploma of Applied Education, Diploma Yi Jin or equivalent qualification(s); or
• Equivalent qualifications (e.g. GCE A-level, International A-level, IB Diploma, SAT) will be considered by the College.
Special consideration may be given to applicants who have experience of working in a dental clinic and / or are holders of a Diploma in Dental Surgery Assisting or an equivalent qualification.
Applicants who do not possess the above academic qualifications but are aged 21 or above with relevant working experience will be considered on individual merit.
* Applicants are allowed to use not more than two Applied Learning (ApL) subjects in the application. The recognition of the ApL subjects is as follows:
-“Attained with Distinction (II)” is deemed equivalent to Level 4 or above in the HKDSEE;
-“Attained with Distinction (I)” is deemed equivalent to Level 3 in the HKDSEE; and
-“Attained” is deemed equivalent to Level 2 in the HKDSEE.
† If one of the five HKDSE subjects is Citizenship and Social Development, the requirement will be “Attained” for the subject.
#ApL Chinese (for non-Chinese speaking students) would be accepted as an alternative Chinese Language qualification.
For application details, please refer to the webpage of HKU SPACE (Click here).
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
Outcome 1
ILO1. Communicate ideas in a manner appropriate to the circumstance using English and Chinese languages (oral and written) in social and academic contexts;
Outcome 2
ILO2. Use information technology and quantitative/numerical skills to manage information and solve daily life problems;
Outcome 3
ILO3. Perform comprehensive oral hygiene care for a variety of patients;
Outcome 4
ILO4. Apply knowledge learnt to help patient control and prevent periodontal disease and dental care;
Outcome 5
ILO5. Promote dental health education
Course Structure
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GENERIC SKILLS
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SPECIALISM
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COURSES
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Courses offered in each semester are subject to student enrolment and resources available.
Tuition Fee
HK$73,500 per academic year (in two equal instalments)
Tuition fees are subject to annual revision; and non-refundable unless the course is cancelled.
Sponsorship Scheme
To attract talented individuals to join the professional field as dental hygienists, the Department of Health of the Government of HKSAR has set up a sponsorship scheme to provide financial assistance to the graduates of the Higher Diploma in Dental Hygiene programme. Upon successful completion of the programme, the graduates can receive a full sponsorship of the tuition fees under the conditions specified by the government. The annual sponsorship amount is up to HK$70,000. For details, please click here.
Special Graduation Requirement
Pass the First Aid course run by the Hong Kong St. John Ambulance or equivalent (e.g. Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service).
Career Prospect
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are eligible to apply to the Dental Council of Hong Kong for registration as Dental Hygienists and are qualified to practise dental hygiene in Hong Kong.
Happy Moments
Graduates of Higher Diploma in Dental Hygiene 2024/25 (photo taken on 17 December 2025)
Congratulations to graduate Ms HONG Cloris, Prize Recipient of the Board of Governors Prize (photo taken on 17 December 2025)
Promotion of Para-dental Training courses at HKTDC Education & Careers Expo from 22 January to 25 January 2026
Promotion of Para-dental Training courses at HKTDC Education and Careers Expo from 22 January to 25 January 2026
The kick-off ceremony for “Silver Joy Dental Health Campaign” of the “Healthy Ageing in Public Rental Housing Estates 2025” has been successfully held on Friday, 23 May 2025.
The kick-off ceremony for “Silver Joy Dental Health Campaign” of the “Healthy Ageing in Public Rental Housing Estates 2025” has been successfully held on Friday, 23 May 2025.