Current Average Waiting Times for Dental Service Appointments in Polyclinics

14 Mr Low Thia Khiang asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the current average waiting times in polyclinics to obtain an appointment slot for (i) simple dental services of a non-emergency nature and (ii) routine services, such as scaling and polishing; and (b) how do these waiting times compare with the waiting times five years ago.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The dental appointment waiting times for non-emergency treatment at our polyclinics have declined over the past few years, from 6.4 months in 2013 to 5 months in 2016.

Middle- and lower-income patients who are eligible for the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) have the additional option to seek dental treatment at any of the over 700 participating dental clinics.