Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau on Wednesday said the government is looking at amending the law to allow the admission of non-locally trained dentists to practice in specified institutions.

Responding to a question in Legco over the inadequacy of public dental services, Lo said it's not possible for the Department of Health to increase the number of government dental clinics for general public services due to limited service capacity.

In a written reply, he said changing the Dentists Registration Ordinance would provide new ways to introduce non-locally trained dentists and ensure adequate manpower for dental services.

Eugene Chan, past president of the Hong Kong Dental Association, told RTHK that amending the ordinance would not pose an issue to incoming local dentists.

"This method has been discussed among the profession and the public, and I think in general people felt that as long as the dentists that we allow to do the practising are actually of a good standard, we see no particular issue," he said.

Chan said dental staff are currently under stress and introducing new talent would better serve patients in the public sector.

The government said it will consult Legco on its plans next month in the hope of introducing an amendment bill by the end of the year.