The homeless in Hong Kong will be able to get free dental care from next year, the government announced on Friday as part of an expansion of its Community Dental Support Programme.

Launched in May, the scheme currently offers free or subsidised dental services to underprivileged residents.

Treatments available include oral health checks, pain relief medication, X-rays, fillings and extractions at 78 clinics run by 32 non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

As of August 6, nearly 1,900 people had benefited, receiving more than 2,500 fillings and over 900 extractions.

From next year, the expanded programme will also cover more services, such as scaling and polishing, root canal work, removal of bridges or crowns and the fitting of dentures.

All dental services will be free for the homeless and other eligible participants, except for the fitting of dentures, which will cost HK$500.

Deputy Secretary for Health Eddie Lee said many homeless people cannot provide the financial proof required to join the programme.

Under the new arrangement, registered social workers at designated NGOs serving the homeless will be able to certify and refer them for treatment.

“We want to help homeless people, who NGOs tell us often have a real need for dental care," he said.

"But they’re usually hidden, passive, and not covered by the government’s social service network.

"Through this programme, we hope to work with NGOs to reach them and provide the dental services they need."

Lee said the goal in services for the underprivileged is to spot dental problems early and treat them promptly to help prevent more serious health issues from developing down the road.