With the generous support from the Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund, the Division of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry and the Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Specialty Clinic (IAD-MSC) at the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) will provide free comprehensive dental treatment to at least 100 needy patients suffering from severe gum disease at IAD-MSC, a centre of excellence for the management of complex and severe oral conditions. 

Approximately 10 to 20% of Hong Kong adults suffer from severe gum disease (periodontitis). It affects their chewing ability, dietary intake, general health, self-esteem and overall quality of life. The cost of treatment is often prohibitive, particularly for the underprivileged. The “Azalea Gum Treatment Project” aims to break down these barriers and offer support to those in need.

A press conference will be held on 22 September (Friday) to announce the details of the Project, and the social goals to be achieved.  After the event, media will be taken on a guided tour to IAD-MSC. 

Details are as follows:
Date: September 22, 2023 (Friday)
Time: 2pm (Registration starts from 1:30pm)
Venue: Institute for Advanced Dentistry Multi-Specialty Clinic, 2/F Novum West, 460 Queen’s Road West, Sai Wan, Hong Kong

Speakers:

• Professor Thomas Flemmig, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry
• Mr. Kai Man Wong, Chairman of Management Board of Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund
• Dr. George Pelekos, Project Lead and Clinical Assistant Professor
• Mr. Gerhard Zielinski, Director of IAD-MSC
• Mr. Gilbert Achermann, Chairman of the Board, Straumann Group

The Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund has provided HKD 11 million to support the project. Global leaders in the dental industry have also generously pledged in-kind support to further underpin the project’s social impact. Straumann Group will provide its premium dental implants, while Modern Dental Group will provide dental laboratory services. Other notable supporters are Ray HK and Dentsply Sirona.

Media Enquiry:
Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Specialty Clinic
Fonnie Kar Man Lee (Executive Officer)
Tel: 3979 9179
Email: fonlkm@hku.hk

We kindly request your reply to fonlkm@hku.hk before the press conference to facilitate our arrangement of the clinic guided tour.  If you are interested in scheduling a one-on-one interview regarding our project or clinic, please inform us in advance for further arrangements.  Thank you very much.