Press Releases
Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill gazetted
The Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2005 which seeks to enhance
regulation of dental specialist practice by setting up a statute-based
specialist register is gazetted today (June 30).
The current Dentists Registration Ordinance does not provide for the granting of
specialist titles to registered dentists. Registered dentists are now granted
the right to use specialist titles by the Hong Kong Dental Council through
administrative arrangements. An administrative list is maintained by the Hong
Kong Dental Council.
A spokesman for the Health, Welfare and Food Bureau said the bill proposed to
add new provisions to set up the Specialist Register, to specify the detailed
procedures to include or remove a dentist's name in or from the register, as
well as to impose criminal sanction against unauthorised use of specialist
titles.
The bill proposes to subject people who use specialist titles without
authorisation to a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for three years on
conviction.
"The proposed amendments serve to better inform the public and enhance public
confidence on the practice of dental specialists. The criminal sanction against
unauthorised use of specialist titles will enhance the protection of public
health," the spokesman said.
The establishment of specialist register will facilitate further advancement of
dental specialist practice in Hong Kong. An Education and Accreditation
Committee will be set up under the Dental Council to handle matters relating to
the Specialist Register and specialists.
Subject to the passage of the bill, those registered dentists who are on the
administrative list will automatically be included in the Specialist Register.
The Administration has consulted major stakeholder groups of the dentistry
profession including the Hong Kong Dental Council and the Hong Kong Dental
Association. They are supportive of the proposed amendments.
The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council on July 6.
Ends/Thursday, June 30, 2005
Issued at HKT 15:20
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