NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE VII:4 OF THE
GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES

The following notification, dated 6 February 2025, from the delegation of Hong Kong, China, is being circulated to Members of the Council for Trade in Services.

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1  MEMBER NOTIFYING:

Hong Kong, China

2  NOTIFICATION UNDER:

Article VII:4 of the General Agreement on Trade in Services

3  DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE:

1 January 2025

3.1  Duration:

Indefinite

4  AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE MEASURE:

Health Bureau

5  DESCRIPTION OF THE MEASURE:

The Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 has created new pathways for qualified non-locally trained dentists to practise and eventually obtain full registration in Hong Kong, in addition to the existing pathway of passing the licensing examination of the Dental Council of Hong Kong (DCHK).

With effect from 1 January 2025, two new registration pathways have been introduced – Limited Registration (LR) is open to all dentists, while Special Registration (SR) targets specialist dentists only. Non-locally trained dentists who possess the dental qualifications recognised by DCHK, subject to their fulfilment of certain criteria, may apply for LR/SR to practise in certain public healthcare institutions in Hong Kong (specified institutions).

Afterwards, LR/SR dentists who have served satisfactorily in specified institutions for at least five years in aggregate will be eligible to apply for full registration. Subject to DCHK’s approval which may exempt certain applicants from taking part or all of the licensing examination, these dentists will obtain full registration that enables them to practise in any institution in Hong Kong.

6  MEMBERS SPECIFICALLY AFFECTED, IF ANY:

None

7  TEXTS AVAILABLE FROM:

The Dentists Registration (Amendment) Ordinance 2024

https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/2024/22!en

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