Requirement of Licence under Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303, Laws of Hong Kong) for Using Dental Irradiating Apparatus by Dental Hygienists Registered under Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156, Laws of Hong Kong)

The Government announced that the provisions on dental care professionals ("DenCPs") in the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap. 156) will come into effect on 24 August 2026, with a view to implementing a statutory registration system for DenCPs in the class of dental hygienist.  After implementation of the registration system and under the Radiation Ordinance (Cap. 303), a registered dental hygienist shall hold a valid irradiating apparatus licence granted by the Radiation Board under the Radiation Ordinance permitting the use of dental irradiating apparatus and comply with the conditions of the issued licence, relevant provisions of the Radiation Ordinance as well as the condition to the scope of practice applicable to taking of radiograph as stipulated in the Dentists Registration Ordinance in order to use dental irradiating apparatus for taking radiograph without personal supervision by a dental practitioner.

It is an offence to section 7 of Cap 303 for using an irradiating apparatus without a valid licence granted by the Radiation Board.  Any person committing such an offence shall be liable on conviction to a fine at level 5 (presently $50,000) and to imprisonment for 2 years.

Application for the licence to use irradiating apparatus under Cap 303 can be made by completing the “DH1271(S)” and “IA-U1” forms (available for download at the Radiation Board website https://www.rbhk.org.hk/eng/ia-app-new.html#LUIA-human) and submit the completed application forms, together with the required documents, to the Radiation Board Licensing Office.  Details of the required documents, ways of submitting the application as well as enquiry telephone number and email can be found in the “Notes for Applicants” section of the “IA-U1” form.

The Radiation Board in general can issue licence within eight weeks after receipt of the complete application including all the necessary supporting documents and with payment of the required licence fee.  Applicants therefore are advised to submit their licence applications timely so as to ensure that they will obtain the required licence before using any irradiating apparatus.

Date Posted : 1 June 2026