Spirit of Hong Kong Awards finalist bridges the gap in accessible dental care

Mark Cheung Kai-yuen, a Hong Kong social worker, is making dental care more accessible for individuals who face challenges in finding suitable clinics, such as cancer survivors, people with disabilities, and children with special needs. Together with dentist Dr Ho Kwun-yin, Cheung co-founded Smile Again, a social enterprise that adapts both the facility and the delivery of care to cater to these patients' unique needs.

The dental service initially started with cancer survivors, as patients who underwent radiotherapy or major surgery for head-and-neck cancers required routine dental care but struggled to find a suitable clinic. Cheung noted that there is no dedicated dental subsidy specifically for cancer patients in Hong Kong, and many elderly individuals and people with disabilities may have to pay for continuing dental care themselves.

To test their approach, the pair initially used rented dental clinics, but as they received requests from patients from various groups, they realized the limitations of borrowed premises. This led to the establishment of their own barrier-free clinic, supported by a second project under the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund.

The clinic is designed to accommodate different needs, featuring step-free access, a larger treatment room for electric wheelchairs, and an adjustable X-ray machine. Operationally, the practice tailors its care to each individual's unique needs, and staff members may modify procedures based on a patient's specific requirements. Cheung and Ho split responsibilities, with Ho leading the clinical practice and Cheung overseeing non-clinical operations, including fundraising, partnerships, government relations, and patient communication.

Financial viability remains a challenge for the clinic, as it has only been operating for about a year and treatments for the underprivileged still require funding support. Cheung emphasized that the clinic prioritizes patients' best interests and avoids recommending more expensive treatments simply for higher revenue, citing dental implants as an example where dentures or bridges may be more suitable for patients who struggle with maintenance.

In addition to the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Fund, Cheung expressed gratitude to Jing Yuan Charity Foundation, Koo’s Giving Charitable Foundation, and Social Impact Partners for their support. The Spirit of Hong Kong Awards, launched in 2013, acknowledges unsung heroes and organizations whose work may not receive widespread attention.