Dentists have backed Government proposals to amend the Dental Registration Ordinance, Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food, Dr York Chow says.

He today met representatives of major stakeholder groups from the dentistry profession to exchange views on amendments to the ordinance, and discussed the effectiveness of the current legislation in ensuring the provision of quality dental care services.

Dr Chow was particularly interested in possible amendments to the ordinance that can bring significant and direct benefits to the profession and the community.

"The amendments will provide the necessary legal backing for the granting of specialist title by the Dental Council. They can provide clarity to the system and hence better protection to customers," Dr Chow said.

The council currently adopts an administrative system to grant permission for the use of specialist titles to registered dentists who have met the minimum level of training and experience requirements. The existing system is not adequate in providing clarity and certainty on the requirements and procedures for specialist registration.