SINGAPORE: Exciting news for dental care seekers! Starting October 1, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is rolling out expanded subsidies under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), making dental care more affordable for thousands of households.

New Subsidy Levels Unveiled!

CHAS Orange card holders, who represent households earning between S$1,501 and S$2,300 monthly, will now benefit from subsidies of up to S$45.50 for basic and preventive dental procedures. This generous extension includes essential services like scaling and polishing, alongside consultations.

A Boost for Lower-Income Families!

Previously, these benefits were exclusive to CHAS Blue cardholders (households earning S$1,500 and below) and seniors from the Pioneer and Merdeka generations. Now, with the new changes, Orange cardholders will enjoy up to S$13.50 for consultations and an even larger $45.50 for posterior tooth extractions, empowering more families to seek essential dental care.

Restorative Procedures Get a Raise!

Moreover, there’s good news for those who require restorative dental work! From October, subsidies for seven key restorative procedures, including root canals and dentures, will see significant increases. For instance, a Pioneer Generation senior can claim a remarkable subsidy of up to S$625 for a permanent crown!

Seniors to Benefit Further!

In an added advantage, seniors aged 60 and above can utilize their Flexi-MediSave to offset up to S$400 annually for root canal treatments and permanent crowns starting mid-2026 at CHAS dental clinics or public healthcare institutions.

Introducing Transparent Fee Benchmarks!

In conjunction with these enhancements, MOH is also setting new fee benchmarks for common dental procedures. This initiative aims to boost transparency and empower patients to make informed decisions about their dental care.

The advisory committee consulted professional associations and dental clinics to ensure these benchmarks mirror typical private practice charges, ensuring fairness and clarity in pricing.

What Does It All Mean for Patients?

For patients, the introduction of these benchmarks means you can expect consultations to range between S$21 and S$31, while scaling services will typically cost between S$35 and S$60. Importantly, these benchmarks are not strict caps, but rather guides that dental providers should reference when quoting treatment costs.

Visible Changes Coming!

Starting October, CHAS dental clinics will be required to prominently display these fee benchmarks, making it easier for patients to understand their options. And from September 1, 2026, clinics will need clinical justifications for any subsidy claims exceeding these benchmarks.

All these changes point to an exciting future for dental health in Singapore, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to smile brighter!