The neon lights of skyscrapers mask a harsh reality – Hong Kongers’ love of fine food often comes at the expense of good oral health. As the city’s cosmopolitan tastes grow, so too does the need for affordable dental care. For many Hong Kongers, the answer lies in Shenzhen, where a thriving dental tourism industry promises quality services at low prices.
A Consumer Council survey reveals the challenges facing Hong Kong dentistry: more than 96% of respondents believe that Hong Kong dental charges are too high, forcing residents to go to the mainland for treatment. The data speaks for itself – in Shenzhen, the cost of tooth extractions, fillings and root canal treatments is 60% to 90% lower than in private clinics in Hong Kong.
This cost difference is particularly evident in major dental procedures. A middle-aged Hong Kong resident, Mr. Liu, underwent full-mouth reconstruction surgery in Shenzhen, removing all his teeth and inserting dentures, for just RMB 165,000 (about HK$180,000). “In Hong Kong, this would have cost me more than HK$560,000 – going to Shenzhen saved me nearly HK$400,000,” he quipped.
Liu’s experience highlights a wider trend. As cross-border travel reopened this year, Hong Kongers flocked north to Shenzhen, where affordable dental services are dwindling in options. Shenzhen’s public dental clinics are chronically understaffed, with only 11 clinics providing emergency care. These clinics offer just 4,000 free appointments a month — a pittance compared to the huge demand.
For many Hong Kongers, the long queues and long waiting times in the public dental system are simply unbearable. Retiree Mr. Chan recounted his exasperating experience: “Last year I went to a public dental clinic for a routine cleaning. They told me the next available appointment would be in May 2024 — can you believe it? A simple check-up would take a year and a half!”
Dr. Chan’s plight highlights the severe limitations of the public dental sector, prompting Hong Kongers to embrace Shenzhen’s dental services. And the mainland market has not been caught off guard — Shenzhen’s dental clinics have stepped up their game, offering advanced facilities and services that rival Hong Kong’s top dental clinics.
“I was a little skeptical at first,” admits Tracy Wong, who recently had a dental implant in Shenzhen. “But the clinic is clean, the staff speaks fluent English, and my dentist is very professional – I will definitely come back.”
Mr. Huang’s trust reflects the continuous improvement of China’s dental industry. Top clinics like Zhengjia Dental Hospital, located in Shenzhen’s bustling Luohu District, are at the forefront of this transformation. Zhengjia Dental Hospital has cutting-edge technology and an internationally trained staff fluent in English and Cantonese.
Shenzhen Zhengjia Dental Hospital is affiliated to Aikangjian Dental Group, which has a network of 12 well-known dental clinics, provides a wide range of dental specialties and has a team of skilled dentists.
The hospital provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment services, covering various procedures such as dental implants, orthodontics, teeth whitening, tooth restoration, cosmetic dentistry, and children’s specialist care. On September 3, 2021, it was exciting news that Hong Kong Xima Lin Ronghui Eye Center successfully acquired a controlling stake in Shenzhen Zhengjia Dental Hospital.
As Hong Kong residents head north to break free from the economic shackles of the local dental industry, a paradigm shift is brewing. In Shenzhen’s stylish clinics and skilled medical staff, Hong Kongers have found an oasis of quality care where high costs are no longer an obstacle to enjoying life’s simple pleasures — a welcome relief for a city steeped in hedonism.
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