The Department of Health announced today that starting from January 6, the online registration system for the dental general public session (ORDGP) will temporarily implement an over-subscription ballot to suitably increase the number of successful applicants to a level exceeding the actual service quotas and introduce a waiting list mechanism to fill possible vacancies.

The department said the arrangements aim to optimise the use of public resources as in the past three service days, there were cases where individuals who were successfully allocated quotas did not attend the appointment.

Upon initial enquiry, some people who were allocated a quota said they did not turn up for the appointment because they had other commitments or had forgotten, while others were unaware the scope of the service is limited to emergency dental services.

From January 6, people aged 65 or above who have completed the online registration but are not selected by the computer ballot will be placed on a waiting list by computer ballot with priority. The waitlisted people, upon notification by telephone, will be arranged to attend the clinic of their first choice.

The department will contact successful applicants on the day when the ballot results are announced to confirm they have received the SMS and remind them of the location of the clinic and the consultation time for the following day.

If the successful applicants are unable to receive the service the next day, the department will contact the waitlisted people by telephone, and they should arrive at the designated clinic at 8.30am the following day to register for the service.

Those who have been allocated a quota must arrive at the designated dental clinic at 8.30am on the appointment day for registration. After verifying the number of attendances and absentees, dental clinic staff will ring the waitlisted people from 9.30am for them to fill any vacancies and they should arrive at the designated clinics before 11.30am to register for the service.

Depending on the absence rate at each clinic, the department will suitably increase the quota of successful applicants and set up a waiting list to fill vacancies without compromising the overall quality of service.

It will also monitor the operation of the new system and keep in view the utilisation and attendance rates. If the situation warrants, a mechanism to deter absenteeism and abuse may be introduced.

To further facilitate the use of the ORDGP, the public can access it through the mobile application HA Go starting from January 10, in addition to the eHealth App and the Dental Public Session website.

The department will deploy additional manpower to assist people in need to register and utilise the ORDGP. Those who require assistance with registration can visit any dental clinic between 8.30am and 11.30am.

The public can visit the department's website to view briefings and demonstration videos on the system.