AI Technology Revolutionizes Oral Care for Elderly in Kwun Tong
The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Dentistry is set to launch the Dental AI Community Care Project in Kwun Tong, offering elderly residents access to cutting-edge dental care powered by artificial intelligence. Utilizing Gum AI, an innovative diagnostic tool, the initiative aims to enhance awareness of oral health and provide early detection of gum disease.
This groundbreaking tool leverages AI technology to analyze gum health in seconds using a tablet or smartphone. Results are displayed in a simple color-coded format: red for poor health, yellow as a cautionary indicator, and green signifying good gum health.
Community Outreach and Personalized Assessments
Trained volunteers, including dental students, will visit three locations in Kwun Tong over the next three months to conduct personalized oral health assessments. They will provide one-on-one advice tailored to each participant’s Gum AI results. 
Volunteers plan to serve 60 to 80 elderly residents per session, ensuring consistent and widespread coverage. They will operate in key locations, such as:
- Hing Tin Estate activity room in Lam Tin
- The clubhouse at Sceneway Garden
- Tsui Ping Center or Sau Mau Ping Community Hall
The team guarantees multiple rounds of check-ups to maximize the program’s impact on oral health in the community.
Fighting the Silent Epidemic of Gum Disease
Jin Lijian, Acting Dean of HKU’s Faculty of Dentistry, explains that gum disease often advances without noticeable symptoms. Many seniors only realize the severity of their condition when their teeth become loose, making treatment difficult.
Unfortunately, nearly 40% of elderly Hong Kong residents experience gum bleeding in at least half their teeth. Most do not receive regular check-ups because of high costs and lengthy public service wait times. The Dental AI Community Care Project addresses this gap by offering efficient, affordable care.
Lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu commends the project’s effectiveness, highlighting that it empowers the elderly with quick, accessible oral health assessments. Volunteers also gain valuable insights into the importance of regular dental care.
Expanding Access Across Hong Kong
The Lions Club of Tsing Ma Hong Kong and local lawmakers actively support the program’s expansion. Organizers plan to extend services to all 18 districts, starting in Kwun Tong due to its high concentration of underserved seniors.
Barnis Yuen, President of the Lions Club, expresses optimism about involving younger citizens in future initiatives. He believes the project will not only reduce seniors’ reliance on dentists but also lower healthcare costs for families and the government.
By integrating AI innovation with community support, Gum AI transforms oral health care for Hong Kong’s elderly, setting a benchmark for preventive healthcare initiatives.
