MediSave & CHAS Guide to Dental Subsidies in Singapore

Dental treatment in Singapore can involve different costs depending on the procedure, the complexity of your dental needs and where you receive care. For Singapore Citizens, government schemes such as the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) and MediSave may help make certain types of dental treatment more affordable.

However, CHAS and MediSave work differently. CHAS provides subsidies for selected dental procedures at participating clinics, while MediSave can only be used for specific approved treatments and subject to the applicable withdrawal limits.

Understanding how these schemes work can help you plan your dental care and have a clearer idea of your potential out-of-pocket expenses.

What Is CHAS?

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) provides subsidies for eligible Singapore Citizens who receive medical and dental care at participating CHAS clinics.

CHAS eligibility is assessed based on household monthly income per person. For households with no income, the Annual Value (AV) of the home is used for assessment.

There are three main CHAS tiers:

• CHAS Blue - for lower-income households
• CHAS Orange - for households in the next income tier
• CHAS Green - for households with higher monthly household income per person

Singapore Citizens who belong to the Pioneer Generation or Merdeka Generation may also receive additional subsidies for selected dental procedures.

The exact subsidy available depends on your CHAS status and the treatment you receive.

What Dental Treatments Are Covered Under CHAS?

CHAS dental subsidies apply to selected preventive, diagnostic and restorative dental procedures at participating CHAS dental clinics.

Depending on your eligibility, covered procedures can include:

• Dental consultations
• Scaling
• Polishing
• Topical fluoride treatment
• Dental X-rays
• Tooth fillings
• Tooth extractions
• Root canal treatment
• Permanent crowns
• Dentures
• Denture repair or relining
• Re-cementation

The amount available varies according to the procedure and your CHAS or generation status.

Since 1 October 2025, CHAS Orange cardholders have also been eligible for subsidies for 10 basic and preventive dental procedures, while subsidy caps for several restorative procedures were increased for eligible CHAS Blue, CHAS Orange, Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders.

How Much Can CHAS Subsidise Dental Treatment?

CHAS dental subsidies are generally provided as a maximum subsidy amount per claim, rather than a fixed percentage of your total dental bill.

For example, the current maximum subsidies for selected procedures include:

• Dental consultation: Up to S$13.50 for CHAS Orange and S$20.50 for CHAS Blue
• Scaling: Up to S$20 for CHAS Orange and S$30 for CHAS Blue
• Polishing: Up to S$13.50 for CHAS Orange and S$20.50 for CHAS Blue
• Topical fluoride: Up to S$13.50 for CHAS Orange and S$20.50 for CHAS Blue
• X-ray: Up to S$7.50 for CHAS Orange and S$11 for CHAS Blue
• Simple filling: Up to S$20 for CHAS Orange and S$30 for CHAS Blue
• Complex filling: Up to S$33.50 for CHAS Orange and S$50 for CHAS Blue
• Anterior tooth extraction: Up to S$19 for CHAS Orange and S$28.50 for CHAS Blue
• Posterior tooth extraction: Up to S$45.50 for CHAS Orange and S$68.50 for CHAS Blue

Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders may receive higher subsidy amounts for eligible procedures. The amount you actually pay will depend on the clinic's charges, the treatment required and the subsidy applicable to your situation.

Can CHAS Be Used for Root Canal Treatment?

Yes. Root canal treatment is one of the restorative dental procedures covered under the CHAS subsidy framework.

The maximum subsidy depends on the type of tooth being treated and your eligibility.

For example, the current maximum subsidy is:

• Anterior root canal treatment: Up to S$217.50 for CHAS Orange and S$326 for CHAS Blue
• Premolar root canal treatment: Up to S$308.50 for CHAS Orange and S$462.50 for CHAS Blue
• Molar root canal treatment: Up to S$389.50 for CHAS Orange and S$584.50 for CHAS Blue

Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders have different subsidy limits.

The subsidy does not necessarily cover the full treatment fee. Your dentist can explain the expected treatment cost and the applicable subsidy before treatment begins.

Can CHAS Be Used for Dental Crowns?

Yes. Permanent crowns are included among the restorative procedures covered under the enhanced CHAS dental subsidy framework.

The current maximum subsidy is:

• Up to S$410 for CHAS Orange
• Up to S$615 for CHAS Blue
• Up to S$620 for Merdeka Generation
• Up to S$625 for Pioneer Generation

These figures represent maximum subsidy amounts rather than fixed treatment prices. The final amount you pay will depend on the clinic's charges and your individual treatment requirements.

What Is MediSave?

MediSave is Singapore's national medical savings scheme. It allows eligible individuals to use savings from their MediSave Account for certain approved healthcare expenses.

However, MediSave cannot be used for every type of dental treatment.

Routine dental procedures such as a standard check-up, scaling or polishing are not automatically payable through MediSave. Its use for dental care is subject to specific eligibility requirements and approved treatment categories.

Selected complex dental procedures involving surgery may qualify, subject to the applicable MediSave withdrawal limits.

Can I Use MediSave for Dental Treatment in Singapore?

It depends on the type of treatment and your eligibility.

MediSave may be used for certain approved complex dental procedures involving surgery. From mid-2026, eligible patients aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave for selected restorative dental procedures, including permanent crowns and root canal treatments, at participating CHAS dental clinics and public healthcare institutions.

Therefore, it is important to check whether your specific dental procedure qualifies rather than assuming that MediSave can be used for all dental expenses.

What Is Flexi-MediSave?

Flexi-MediSave is a MediSave scheme that allows Singapore Citizens aged 60 and above to use their MediSave savings for certain outpatient medical expenses.

The current annual withdrawal limit is S$400 per patient. Eligible patients may use their own or their spouse's MediSave, subject to the relevant requirements.

For dental care, Flexi-MediSave has been extended to selected restorative treatments, including permanent crowns and root canal treatment, at participating CHAS dental clinics and public healthcare institutions.

What Dental Treatments Can Flexi-MediSave Cover?

For eligible patients aged 60 and above, Flexi-MediSave can be used towards selected restorative dental treatments, including:

• Permanent crowns
• Root canal treatment for anterior teeth
• Root canal treatment for premolars
• Root canal treatment for molars

The annual Flexi-MediSave withdrawal limit is currently S$400 per patient.

Flexi-MediSave does not cover every dental procedure, so it is advisable to confirm eligibility before treatment.

Can I Use CHAS and MediSave Together?

In some situations, CHAS subsidies and MediSave may be used together to help reduce the amount a patient needs to pay personally.

For example, an eligible patient receiving a covered dental procedure may first receive the applicable CHAS subsidy. Where the remaining treatment cost qualifies for MediSave or Flexi-MediSave, the applicable MediSave scheme may then be used subject to its rules and limits.

The exact arrangement depends on the procedure, your eligibility and the applicable financing scheme. Your dental clinic can provide information about the expected costs and applicable subsidies before treatment.

What Are Dental Fee Benchmarks in Singapore?

MOH has introduced dental fee benchmarks for common procedures at private dental clinics in the primary care setting.

These benchmarks provide patients with a reference range for routine and typical cases. They are not fixed prices, and actual fees may vary depending on the complexity of treatment and individual clinical circumstances.

The current benchmarks cover 18 common dental procedures, including:

• Dental consultations
• Simple and complex fillings
• Tooth extractions
• Scaling
• Polishing
• Topical fluoride
• Dental X-rays
• Root canal treatment
• Permanent crowns
• Dentures
• Denture repair or relining
• Re-cementation

For example, MOH's current benchmark range for a routine anterior root canal treatment is S$400 to S$775, while a permanent crown has a benchmark range of S$750 to S$1,400. These figures exclude GST and are intended as reference ranges rather than guaranteed treatment prices.

How Do I Use Dental Fee Benchmarks?

Before starting treatment, you can ask your dentist:

• What dental procedure do I require?
• Are there alternative treatment options?
• What is the expected treatment fee?
• How does the fee compare with the relevant MOH benchmark?
• Are there any additional charges?
• What CHAS subsidy may apply?
• Can MediSave or Flexi-MediSave be used for the treatment?

MOH advises patients to discuss expected fees and treatment options with their dental provider. The benchmarks are intended to help patients make more informed decisions about dental care.

How Do I Apply for CHAS?

Singapore Citizens generally need to apply for CHAS benefits. Eligibility is assessed based on household income or, where applicable, the Annual Value of the home.

Applications can be made through the official CHAS process using Singpass.

If you already have a CHAS card, you should check your eligibility status before your dental appointment and inform the clinic that you intend to use your CHAS benefits.

You can also check whether the dental clinic you are considering participates in CHAS before booking an appointment.

Does CHAS Cover Every Dental Treatment?

No. CHAS covers selected dental procedures, rather than every type of dental treatment.

For example, certain routine and restorative procedures are included within the CHAS dental subsidy framework, while cosmetic treatments may not qualify.

Similarly, MediSave and Flexi-MediSave have their own approved treatment categories and eligibility requirements.

This means it is important to check the specific treatment you require rather than assuming that all dental expenses will qualify for a subsidy.

What Should I Check Before Starting Dental Treatment?

If you are concerned about the cost of dental treatment, asking a few questions before starting can help you understand your potential expenses.

Consider asking your dentist:

• Is my treatment covered under CHAS?
• What CHAS tier am I eligible for?
• What is the maximum subsidy available for this procedure?
• Can I use MediSave or Flexi-MediSave?
• What is the total treatment fee before subsidies?
• How much will I need to pay after applicable subsidies?
• Are there any additional costs?
• Are there alternative treatment options?
• How does the expected fee compare with the relevant MOH dental fee benchmark?

Having this information in advance can help you understand the financial aspects of your treatment alongside the clinical considerations.

CHAS and MediSave Dental Care at Alpha Dental Group Singapore CBD

At Alpha Dental Group, we understand that knowing the potential cost of dental treatment is an important part of planning your care.

Our dental team can assess your oral health, explain the recommended treatment and provide information about applicable payment and subsidy considerations where relevant.

Our clinic is located in Singapore's CBD and is conveniently accessible for patients around Raffles Place, Cecil Street, Marina Bay, Shenton Way and Tanjong Pagar.

Whether you need a routine dental check-up, restorative treatment or other dental care, you can discuss your treatment requirements and expected costs with our team.

You can also learn more about our general dentistry services and discuss which treatment options may be appropriate for your individual oral health needs.

Conclusion

Understanding MediSave and CHAS dental subsidies in Singapore can help you plan for the cost of necessary dental treatment.

CHAS provides subsidies for selected dental procedures at participating clinics, with the amount depending on your CHAS tier, generation status and the treatment provided. Since October 2025, CHAS dental subsidies have been enhanced, including the extension of subsidies for 10 preventive dental procedures to CHAS Orange cardholders and increased subsidy caps for selected restorative procedures.

For eligible Singapore Citizens aged 60 and above, Flexi-MediSave can also be used for selected restorative dental procedures, including root canal treatment and permanent crowns, subject to the applicable annual limit and scheme requirements.

MOH's dental fee benchmarks can also provide a useful reference when discussing treatment costs with your dentist. However, actual fees can vary depending on the complexity of your case and individual treatment needs.

If you are considering dental treatment, speak with your dentist about the procedure required, expected costs and whether you may qualify for CHAS or applicable MediSave support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Singapore Citizens get subsidies for dental treatment?

Yes. Singapore Citizens may receive CHAS subsidies for selected dental procedures at participating CHAS dental clinics. The subsidy available depends on your CHAS tier, generation status and the procedure being performed.

Can I use MediSave for dental treatment?

MediSave can be used for certain approved dental procedures, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements and withdrawal limits. For eligible patients aged 60 and above, Flexi-MediSave can also be used for selected restorative dental treatments such as permanent crowns and root canal treatment.

How much can CHAS subsidise dental treatment?

The maximum subsidy depends on the dental procedure and your eligibility. For example, the current maximum subsidy for scaling is S$20 for CHAS Orange and S$30 for CHAS Blue, while the maximum subsidy for a simple filling is S$20 and S$30 respectively.

Can CHAS Orange cardholders get dental subsidies?

Yes. From 1 October 2025, CHAS Orange cardholders became eligible for subsidies for 10 basic and preventive dental procedures, alongside enhanced subsidy limits for selected restorative procedures.

Can I use Flexi-MediSave for a root canal?

Eligible patients aged 60 and above can use Flexi-MediSave towards root canal treatment at participating CHAS dental clinics and public healthcare institutions, subject to the applicable requirements and the S$400 annual withdrawal limit.

Does CHAS cover dental crowns?

Permanent crowns are included among the dental procedures covered under the enhanced CHAS subsidy framework. The maximum subsidy varies according to your CHAS tier or generation status.

Are MOH dental fee benchmarks fixed prices?

No. MOH dental fee benchmarks provide reference ranges for routine and typical cases at private dental clinics. Actual fees may vary depending on the complexity of treatment and individual clinical circumstances.