Dental treatment in Singapore is more affordable than most people realise.

That statement surprises a lot of patients, because dental costs in Singapore can feel significant, and many people delay treatment precisely because they are uncertain about what they can afford. What most patients do not know is that there are government subsidy schemes that meaningfully reduce the out-of-pocket cost of dental care, and that many of the most important dental procedures are partially or fully covered.

This guide explains exactly what Medisave and CHAS cover for dental treatment, who is eligible, how much you can actually save, and how to claim your subsidies at UDS AMK and UDS Yishun, both of which are MOH-accredited clinics that accept both schemes.

Understanding your subsidies before you need treatment is one of the most practical things you can do for your dental health.

The Two Main Dental Subsidy Schemes in Singapore

There are two key schemes that make dental treatment more affordable for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents:

Medisave, a compulsory national savings scheme that all working Singaporeans and PRs contribute to. Most people associate Medisave with hospital stays and medical procedures, but it can also be used for specific dental procedures, including dental implant surgery and surgical extractions of impacted teeth.

CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme), a government subsidy programme for Singaporean Citizens who qualify based on household income or are aged 65 and above. CHAS subsidies apply at accredited GP and dental clinics for a defined range of treatments. The level of subsidy depends on your CHAS card type.

These two schemes can be used independently or, in some cases, in combination, depending on the treatment and your eligibility.

CHAS: What Is It and Who Qualifies?

CHAS is available to Singaporean Citizens who meet one of the following criteria:

• Household monthly income per person is $1,800 or below, eligible for CHAS blue (highest subsidy tier) or CHAS orange (mid subsidy tier) depending on income level

• Aged 65 and above, all Singaporean Citizens aged 65 and above are eligible for CHAS regardless of income, receiving at least the CHAS orange level of subsidy

The three CHAS card types:

If you are unsure of your card type or eligibility, you can check via the HealthHub app or the CHAS website. Alternatively, bring your NRIC to UDS and our team will verify your eligibility on the spot.

What Does CHAS Cover for Dental Treatment?

CHAS covers a defined list of dental procedures at accredited clinics. The key covered treatments most relevant to patients at UDS are:

Scaling and polishing (teeth cleaning), one of the most commonly used CHAS dental benefits. Professional scaling and polishing is recommended every 6 months and is covered under CHAS.

Tooth extractions, simple tooth extractions are covered under CHAS. This includes routine extractions but not surgical extractions of impacted teeth (which fall under Medisave instead).

Dental fillings, tooth-coloured and amalgam fillings for cavities are covered under CHAS.

Root canal treatment, root canal treatment is covered under CHAS for eligible cardholders at accredited clinics.

Dentures, partial and full dentures are covered under CHAS for eligible patients.

X-rays, dental X-rays taken as part of diagnosis and treatment planning are included.

What CHAS does NOT cover:

• Cosmetic treatments, teeth whitening, veneers, smile design

• Orthodontic treatment, braces, Invisalign, clear aligners

• Dental implants (the implant crown component, though the surgical placement may be Medisave-claimable)

• Dental crowns and bridges in most cases

The exact subsidy amount per procedure varies by card type and procedure. UDS will calculate your exact subsidy at your consultation, you will always know what you are paying before treatment begins.

How Much Can You Actually Save with CHAS?

Here are realistic examples of what CHAS subsidies look like at a dental clinic:

Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders receive additional subsidies on top of the standard CHAS rates, further reducing out-of-pocket costs. 

The practical takeaway: for patients who are CHAS-eligible, routine dental maintenance, scaling and polishing every 6 months, fillings when needed, becomes genuinely affordable. The cost barrier that causes many patients to delay dental care until problems become serious is substantially reduced.

Note: Listed prices are subject to GST. Government subsidies (CHAS) apply directly to the treatment fees. Patients are responsible for paying the GST on the total gross treatment charge out-of-pocket. 

Medisave: What Dental Treatments Can You Claim?

Medisave for dental treatment is more restricted than CHAS, it applies only to specific surgical procedures, not routine care. The two main dental uses are:

1. Surgical Extraction of Impacted Teeth (Including Wisdom Teeth)

The surgical removal of impacted teeth, teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line, growing at an angle, or requiring incision and bone removal to extract, is Medisave-claimable.

This most commonly applies to wisdom tooth surgery but also covers other impacted teeth requiring surgical extraction.

Medisave claim limit for surgical extraction: Up to $850 – $1,600 per tooth depending on the complexity of the surgical procedure (classified as Table 7A or 7B).

For patients who need surgical wisdom tooth removal, which can cost $850–$1,600 per tooth, this Medisave claim makes a significant difference to the out-of-pocket amount.

2. Dental Implant Surgery

The surgical component of dental implant placement, specifically, the insertion of the titanium implant fixture into the jawbone, is Medisave-claimable.

Medisave claim limit for implant surgery: Up to $1,950 per implant depending on complexity.

The implant crown, the ceramic tooth that attaches to the implant, is not Medisave-claimable as it is classified as a prosthetic restoration.

For patients who require multiple implants, Medisave can be applied to each implant surgical procedure, up to the claim limit per procedure.

3. Flexi-Medisave for Patients Aged 60 and Above

This is one of the most underutilised subsidies in Singapore, and one that applies to a significant number of our patients at UDS.

Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 60 and above with a valid Medisave account can use Flexi-Medisave to claim up to $400 per year for outpatient dental treatments, including procedures that standard Medisave does not cover for Root canal treatment and crown procedures.

This $400 annual limit resets each calendar year. For patients aged 60 and above, Flexi-Medisave combined with CHAS (if eligible) can make a very significant difference to the annual cost of maintaining good dental health.

Example: A patient aged 65, CHAS orange eligible, attending UDS for root canal treatment and dental crown, their out-of-pocket cost with CHAS subsidies could be a fraction of the standard clinic rate. If they also use Flexi-Medisave for the same year's treatments, the savings compound further. Speak to our team at UDS to understand exactly how these schemes work together for your specific situation.

Can Medisave and CHAS Be Combined?

In some situations, yes, though the rules on combination vary by procedure.

For surgical tooth extractions: Medisave covers the surgical extraction. CHAS generally covers simple extractions. They do not typically apply to the same procedure simultaneously, but a patient may use CHAS for routine treatments in the same visit and Medisave for the surgical component.

For patients aged 60+: Flexi-Medisave and CHAS can complement each other for outpatient root canal treatment and crown, Flexi-Medisave covers up to $400 per year, and CHAS provides per-procedure subsidies on top. The exact interaction depends on the specific treatments involved.

Our team at UDS will calculate the most advantageous combination of subsidies for your treatment at your consultation, so you always know your exact out-of-pocket cost before any work begins.

How to Use CHAS and Medisave at UDS AMK and Yishun

The process is straightforward, and our team handles the administrative side for you:

For CHAS:

• Bring your CHAS card (blue, orange, MG, or PG) and your NRIC to your appointment

• Our team verifies your eligibility and calculates the subsidy at the point of treatment

• You pay only your subsidised out-of-pocket amount, UDS claims the rest directly from CHAS

For Medisave (surgical extractions and implants):

• Bring your NRIC, Medisave is accessed via your NRIC number

• Your dentist confirms the procedure is Medisave-claimable at your consultation

• The claim is processed directly by UDS after your procedure

• You pay the balance above the Medisave claim amount

For Flexi-Medisave (aged 60+):

• Bring your NRIC and inform our team that you would like to use Flexi-Medisave

• Our team verifies your eligibility and remaining annual claim balance

• The claim is processed the same way as standard Medisave

There is no complex paperwork on your end. Our front desk team is experienced with all three schemes and will guide you through the process clearly.

What If I Am Not Eligible for CHAS or Medisave?

Not every patient qualifies for subsidies, and that is completely fine. UDS provides the same standard of care regardless of subsidy status, with transparent pricing that you always know in advance.

For patients without CHAS or Medisave eligibility, there are still ways to manage dental costs sensibly:

• Regular scaling and polishing every 6 months prevents the build-up of conditions, gum disease, decay, that require far more expensive treatment later. Prevention is consistently the most cost-effective approach to dental health.

• Addressing problems early. A small cavity addressed with a filling now costs far less than a root canal treatment and crown later. A tooth assessed when first showing symptoms costs less than an emergency extraction and implant six months later.

• Payment plans. For larger treatments, speak to our team about payment options. UDS will always present you with a full cost breakdown before treatment begins, no surprises.

UDS AMK and Yishun: MOH-Accredited, CHAS-Accredited

Both UDS Ang Mo Kio and UDS Yishun are:

• Registered with the Singapore Dental Council (SDC)

• MOH-accredited, meaning Medisave can be used for eligible procedures at our clinics

• CHAS-accredited, meaning CHAS subsidies apply for all eligible cardholders at both locations

You do not need to pre-register or do anything special to use your subsidies at UDS. Simply bring your NRIC and CHAS card to your appointment and our team handles the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I have a CHAS card and what type it is?
A: Your CHAS card is typically mailed to you when you first qualify. If you are unsure whether you have one, check the HealthHub app (available on iOS and Android) under "Benefits & Schemes", this shows your CHAS eligibility and card type. You can also check at any CHAS-accredited clinic by presenting your NRIC. If you are a Singaporean Citizen aged 65 or above and do not have a CHAS card, you may still be eligible, contact the Ministry of Health or check via HealthHub.

Q: Can Permanent Residents use CHAS?
A: No, CHAS is available to Singaporean Citizens only. However, Permanent Residents aged 60 and above are eligible for Flexi-Medisave (up to $400 per year for root canal and crown treatments), and all PRs can use standard Medisave for eligible surgical dental procedures such as impacted tooth extraction and implant surgery.

Q: How many times can I use CHAS for scaling and polishing per year?
A: CHAS covers scaling and polishing up to two times per year at accredited dental clinics, which aligns with the recommended frequency of professional cleaning. This is one of the most practical and regularly used CHAS dental benefits.

Q: Can I use Medisave for a dental crown?
A: Standard Medisave cannot be used for dental crowns as they are classified as prosthetic restorations. However, patients aged 60 and above can use Flexi-Medisave for crown procedures, up to the $400 annual limit. Speak to our team at UDS to understand what applies to your specific situation.

Q: I need a dental implant. How much of the cost does Medisave cover?
A: Medisave covers the surgical placement of the implant fixture (the titanium root), typically up to $1,950 per implant depending on complexity. The implant crown (the ceramic tooth on top) is not Medisave-claimable. For a standard single implant costing $3,000–$5,500 in total, Medisave can offset $1,950 of the surgical component. Your dentist at UDS will calculate the exact subsidy breakdown for your case.

Q: What happens if I forget to bring my CHAS card?
A: Our team can verify CHAS eligibility using your NRIC number in most cases. However, bringing your CHAS card ensures the smoothest experience. If verification is not possible on the day, you may pay the full amount and seek reimbursement through the appropriate channel, speak to our team for guidance.

Speak to Our Team About Your Subsidy Eligibility at UDS

Subsidies should not be confusing, and at UDS, they are not. Our team at both UDS AMK and UDS Yishun is experienced with CHAS, Medisave, Flexi-Medisave, Pioneer Generation, and Merdeka Generation benefits. We will check your eligibility, calculate your exact subsidy, and tell you your out-of-pocket cost clearly before any treatment begins.

If you have been putting off dental treatment because of cost uncertainty, come in for a consultation. You may find it is significantly more affordable than you assumed.