C.S. 166
CONFIDENTIAL ##
機密
XCC(77)1
- 4.
at Government dental clinics. In view of the present and foreseeable staffing situation, however, it is not considered possible at the moment that a similar policy could be adopted at all Government dental clinics as such a change in policy would involve a commitment to a full range of dental clinics throughout Hong Kong (alongside medical clinics) and con- siderable capital and recurrent expenditure. Once a local source of supply of dentists has been established, the Government policy on dental care in Hong Kong could be reviewed and the Medical Development Advisory Committee would then be invited to advise on how such care could be improved.
13
On the basis of DAA's estimates, about 25, 000 attendances out of a pool of 125, 000 attendances would be considered unsuitable for teaching purposes at the Dental Teaching Hospital. These patients could:
(a) be turned away from the Hospital without treatment; or
(b) be provided with a full range of dental service by
Government dentists at a Government dental clinic near to the Dental Teaching Hospital; or
(c) be provided treatment at the Dental Teaching Hospital
to those who require emergency and simple conservation services.
14
The first alternative is undesirable as this might lead to a public outcry against indiscriminate refusal of service at the Dental Teaching Hospital. The second alternative is not practical as the present Government Dental Service is not geared to provide treatment for the general public except for emergency treatment. The third alternative is, therefore, the best solution and treatment could be given by the staff or by Government dental officers working in a Dental Teach- ing Hospital,
The Charging of fees at the Dental Teaching Hospital
15
The Director of Medical and Health Services recommends that fees should be charged for all patients who attend the Dental Teaching Hospital. This is in line with existing Government policy of charging fees in the medical service. It is considered, however, that the fee charged should not become a deterrent to members of the public who would come to the Hospital, for otherwise the objective of attracting a sufficiently large number of patients would not be achieved. For those patients who are found suitable for teaching purposes, and who would therefore be provided with treatment services at the Dental Teaching Hospital, it is therefore proposed that a uniform fee should be charged per attendance, as in the case of medical out-patient clinics, and that
CONFIDENTIAL
機密