Hong Kong health authorities will add a waiting list on Monday to a newly launched online booking system for public dental clinics after a high absence rate was recorded during the first two working days of its implementation.
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The Department of Health announced the arrangement on Friday, after 40 of the 151 people allocated a quota spot at its six dental clinics via a new online registration system failed to show up on Tuesday or Thursday as scheduled, citing reasons such as scheduling conflicts or that they forgot about the booking. The no-shows accounted for 26 per cent of the bookings.
The department added it would continue to monitor the attendance rates.
“If the situation warrants, a mechanism to deter absenteeism and abuse may be introduced as necessary,” a spokesman said.
The department said the waiting list system would be introduced on Monday to fill any vacancies.
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Individuals aged 65 or above who have completed the online registration but who were not selected by the computer ballot will be prioritised on the list.
If there is a slot available, they will receive a call to arrange a visit to their first-choice clinic.