Expanding CHAS Subsidies to Include Dental Treatments for Medical Reasons

31 Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Health whether there is a possibility of expanding the Community Health Assist Scheme subsidies to include dental treatments beyond its current scope, such as non-aesthetic orthodontic procedures which require the use of corrective devices for teeth and jaw alignment for medical reasons.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Today, Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) subsidies cover a range of dental procedures that are appropriate for the primary care setting at private dental clinics and are not meant to cover complex dental procedures. Patients referred for more complex procedures, such as non-aesthetic orthodontic treatment for medical reasons, from polyclinics and CHAS dental clinics to the national specialty dental centres (NSCs), namely, the National Dental Centre and the National University Centre for Oral Health, will receive subsidised care where appropriate.

We will continue to review our subsidy framework regularly, including the coverage of dental services for CHAS cardholders, to ensure the continued affordability and accessibility of dental care at the appropriate settings.