A dentist charged with canvassing was cleared by the Dental Council yesterday after more than 51,000 discount coupons were sent to residents of Sha Tin and Ma On Shan.
But Dr Hui Yee-lung was reprimanded by the council for unprofessional conduct arising from one count of advertising with intention to canvass business in November and December.
The council heard that Dr Hui, who runs a clinic in Ma On Shan Plaza, issued discount coupons for dental services in a $300 family care scheme through a development company.
Dr Hui told the council he thought the scheme was being offered to staff of Cheung Kong (Holding), the developer of the plaza, not residents.
After learning it was part of a promotional campaign by the developer, he asked to withdraw the coupons just two days before they became effective, the council heard.
By the time the discount coupons were withdrawn, 51,490 had been distributed.