V Sparkle

Community Oral Health Talks Recruit Teaching Patients

Continuing with the theme of "Community Classroom", the Community Engagement Unit (CEU) remains committed to enabling VTC students to give back to the community while passing on their Vocational and Professional Education and Training (VEPT) skills. Recently, CEU collaborated with the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) "Caring Engaging Smart" (CES) and The Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre at Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE)’s Chai Wan Campus, to arrange two oral health talks for residents at Ming Wah Dai Ha, Shau Kei Wan. 

Students enrolled in the Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene were invited to conduct the talks, with the aim of promoting proper oral health knowledge. Residents were also given the opportunity to apply on the spot to become "Teaching Patients", which may allow them to receive free dental scaling and basic dental care services arranged by the Training Centre. 

Under the guidance of their instructors, seven students shared responsibilities in presenting a range of common oral health topics, including the causes of tooth decay, the relationship between eating frequency and dental caries, as well as the prevention and care of periodontal disease. The students also demonstrated correct toothbrushing techniques and explained how to choose suitable toothbrushes and toothpaste. The content was practical and closely aligned with residents’ daily needs. 

The first talk was primarily targeted at elderly residents, while the second session was arranged for working adults. Both sessions were well received, with participants actively raising questions and seeking advice from instructors and students regarding their personal dental concerns. Students also assisted interested residents in completing application forms to become "Teaching Patients". 

Ms Iris CHOW, Instructor of The Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre, shared that the Centre at IVE (Chai Wan) Campus regularly organises talks for various social welfare organisations and recruits "Teaching Patients". She noted that dental services in the private market can be costly. By becoming "Teaching Patients", underprivileged groups or elderly participants can receive free dental scaling services provided by students of the Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene, helping to improve their oral health while easing their financial burden. At the same time, students gain valuable handson experience in a real clinical setting, better preparing them for careers in the dental profession. The initiative therefore creates a winwin outcome for both the community and students. 

The Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre is well equipped. Community partners interested in arranging talks are welcome to call 2595 2707 or 2595 2705 for enquiries, or email cw-hls-dental@vtc.edu.hk for registration. 

[Photo 1] Students of the Professional Diploma in Dental Hygiene pose for a group photo with participants after the talk.

[Photo 2] Students explain the causes and prevention of periodontal disease.

[Photo 3] Student patiently answers questions from an elderly participant and assists her in completing the "Teaching Patient" application form.

[Photo 4] Students provide dental care services including dental scaling for "Teaching Patients", further honing the skills acquired in class.

[Photo 5] The Jockey Club Dental Care Training Centre is fully equipped with 32 dental chairs, supporting students in their training to become dental hygienists.

Powered by Froala Editor