With the generous support from the Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund, the Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) launched the “Azalea Gum Treatment Project" today (September 22). The Division of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry and the Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Specialty Clinic (IAD-MSC) at the Faculty 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 quality of life. The cost of treatment is often prohibitive, particularly for the underprivileged.

“Severe gum disease can have a devastating impact on someone’s life, where something as simple as smiling becomes a real challenge,” said Professor Leung Wai Keung, Division Coordinator of Periodontology & Implant Dentistry. “With this project we aim to improve people’s lives, while providing specialist training and creating research opportunities for postgraduate dental students from Hong Kong and Greater Bay Area of China and abroad.”

“We are committed to improving the oral and general health, chewing function, speech, socialising ability and confidence of patients,” said Dr. George Pelekos, the Project Lead and Clinical Assistant Professor. “We also aim to educate the public by enhancing their awareness of gum disease, its prevention and treatment.”

As the seed funder of HKU Dentistry’s Smiles-For-All Advanced Dentistry fund, 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.

Professor Thomas Flemmig, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry said: “Advanced dental care makes a significant impact to those who have severe and complex diseases of the mouth and jaws. At HKU’s IAD-MSC, we have the expertise and technology to treat such diseases. With specialists from all the dental disciplines working together in a state-of-the-art facility, we can provide life-changing care to those who need it the most.”

Individuals on Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), or eligible for social housing in Hong Kong, who wish to receive the free treatment under this Project, can contact IAD-MSC (Phone: 3979 9191) for a screening appointment. More information on eligibility can be found on the HKU Dentistry Smiles-For-All website.

About the HKU Faculty of Dentistry:
The Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU Dentistry) is a premier dental school in the world and the only institution in Hong Kong that provides undergraduate and postgraduate dental education. HKU Dentistry has been ranked No. 1 in the world for three consecutive years (2016-2018) and is currently ranked No. 3 in the world, according to the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023. It marks the 7th time in 9 years that the Faculty has been ranked among the top 3 globally, which so far, no other institution in the world has achieved. Since its establishment in 1982, HKU Dentistry has spared no effort to make an impact on peoples’ lives, in Hong Kong and around the world, by improving access to high-quality oral healthcare and enhancing clinical outcomes and lowering costs.

Webpage: https://facdent.hku.hk
Video: https://youtu.be/SFoNYKZchG8

About the Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Speciality Clinic:
The Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Specialty Clinic (IAD-MSC), opened in the fall of 2020, is a major initiative of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry, with the objective to educate and train dental specialists in Hong Kong, as well as to provide affordable advanced dental care to those who suffer from severe and complex oral conditions. IAD-MSC is a state-of-the-art facility situated on the Hong Kong Island. Equipped with 45 dental chairs, 6 day-surgery rooms, monitored anaesthesia care, and paired with the latest technologies, local and international students in seven different dental disciplines can receive education and training in advanced dentistry and provide quality dental care for their patients.
Webpage:  https://iad.facdent.hku.hk

About the HKU Dentistry Smiles-For-All Advanced Dentistry Fund:
The HKU Dentistry Smiles-For-All Advanced Dentistry Fund (Smiles-For-All) was launched in November 2022, enabling the Faculty to engage in various charitable projects. It aims to serve Hong Kong’s underprivileged with advanced multidisciplinary dental care at the Institute for Advanced Dentistry – Multi-Specialty Clinic (IAD-MSC). Smiles-For-All focusses on severe diseases of the mouth and jaws like oral cancer, gum disease, tooth decay, and malpositioned teeth.
Webpage: https://smiles.facdent.hku.hk
Video: https://youtu.be/6-G72MupQIE

About Azalea (1972) Endowment Fund: https://www.alumni.hku.hk/home/azalea/
About Straumann Group: https://www.straumann.com/group/en/home/media.html
About Modern Dental Group: https://www.moderndentalgp.com
About Ray HK: http://www.raymedical.com.hk
About Dentsply Sirona: https://www.dentsplysirona.com/en-hk

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