Dental Subsidy Singapore: CHAS & Medisave Guide 2026

CHAS dental subsidies are tiered by card type and procedure. For basic dental services such as scaling and polishing, tooth extraction, and fillings, the subsidies per visit (as of 2025 MOH rates) are as follows: CHAS Blue cardholders receive $161.50 per visit for complex procedures and up to $70.50 for basic services; CHAS Orange cardholders receive subsidies roughly half of the Blue tier; Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation cardholders receive the highest subsidies, often equivalent to or exceeding CHAS Blue rates.

Covered basic dental services include scaling and polishing, tooth extraction (simple), fillings (amalgam and composite), fluoride application, and fissure sealants. More complex procedures like root canal treatment, crowns, implants, and orthodontics are generally NOT covered under CHAS and must be paid in full or funded through other means.

It is important to note that CHAS subsidies apply per visit, not per procedure. If you need multiple treatments, your dentist may spread them across visits to maximise your subsidy. Always ask your CHAS-registered clinic for a detailed cost breakdown before treatment begins — this is your right as a patient and helps avoid bill shock.

Medisave, managed by the CPF Board, can be used for dental treatments but only for surgical procedures — meaning procedures that involve cutting of the gum or bone. The most common qualifying treatment is surgical wisdom tooth removal (including impacted extractions). Patients can withdraw up to $950 per year from their Medisave account (or their immediate family member's account) for approved dental surgical procedures, subject to a $950 withdrawal limit per year.

Routine dental work — scaling, polishing, fillings, simple extractions, and cosmetic dentistry — does NOT qualify for Medisave withdrawal. This is one of the most common misconceptions among patients. If your dentist charges you for a 'surgical extraction,' confirm that it is classified as a surgical procedure in MOH's definitions, as only then will your Medisave claim be valid.

To use Medisave at a dental clinic, the clinic must be an MOH-accredited Medisave-approved provider. Always ask the clinic before your appointment whether they are Medisave-approved and whether your specific procedure qualifies. Bring your NRIC and ensure your CPF Medisave account has sufficient balance. Your dentist will submit the claim electronically — you only pay the remaining co-payment in cash or by card.

Yes — in certain situations, eligible patients can use both CHAS subsidies and Medisave for the same dental visit, but only when the procedure qualifies under both schemes simultaneously. For example, a Pioneer Generation cardholder undergoing a surgical tooth extraction at a CHAS-participating clinic may apply their CHAS subsidy to reduce the bill and then use Medisave to cover the remaining surgical component, up to the $950 yearly limit.

However, combining both requires that the clinic is registered under both CHAS and the Medisave dental scheme. Not all CHAS clinics are Medisave-approved for dental surgery — always verify this before booking. The MOH's 'HealthHub' app and website provide a searchable directory of CHAS and Medisave-approved dental clinics by location and MRT station.

Patients who are both CHAS-eligible and facing surgical dental costs should always ask their clinic to stack both subsidies before paying. Failing to do so could mean paying hundreds of dollars unnecessarily. Your dentist's front desk staff should be familiar with the claiming process — if they are not, consider calling MOH's hotline at 1800-225-4122 for clarification.

It is equally important to know what is explicitly excluded from subsidies so you can plan your budget accurately. The following procedures are NOT covered by CHAS or Medisave in Singapore: dental implants, teeth whitening and bleaching, veneers, Invisalign and other orthodontic treatments (braces), dental crowns and bridges (in most cases), dentures (partially covered for Singaporeans at polyclinics only), and cosmetic dental procedures of any kind.

For these uncovered treatments, patients must pay the full market rate, which can range from $800–$5,000+ for implants and $3,000–$8,000 for full Invisalign treatment. Some private insurers offer dental riders that cover a portion of these costs — if you have an integrated shield plan or employer-provided dental insurance, check your policy documents or HR portal before assuming nothing is covered.

If cost is a major barrier for uncovered procedures, consider polyclinics as an alternative. MOH-run polyclinics offer basic dental services at heavily subsidised rates for Singapore Citizens and PRs — typically $18.50–$25.50 per visit for adults — without requiring a CHAS card. Waiting times can be longer, but the savings are significant for price-sensitive patients.

Claiming your dental subsidy is straightforward if you follow these steps. First, confirm your CHAS status — check your card tier (Blue, Orange, PG, or MG) and ensure it has not expired. CHAS cards must be renewed every three years. Second, find a CHAS-registered dental clinic using the HealthHub app or the MOH clinic locator at chas.sg. Filter by 'dental' and your preferred area or MRT.

Third, when calling to book, explicitly mention you are a CHAS cardholder and confirm the clinic accepts CHAS for your intended treatment. Fourth, bring your CHAS card and NRIC to the appointment. Present your CHAS card at registration — the clinic will process the subsidy claim electronically via the MOH system. You only pay the subsidised co-payment amount.

For Medisave claims, the clinic will ask for your NRIC and verbal/written consent to access your CPF Medisave account. No forms are needed at most clinics as the process is fully electronic. After the procedure, you will receive an SMS or notification from CPF confirming the Medisave withdrawal amount. Keep this record for your own financial tracking. If a claim is rejected, contact CPF at 1800-227-1188 or visit cpf.gov.sg for assistance.

CHAS Green covers the widest group — all Singaporeans living in HDB flats with household per capita monthly income ≤$2,800 (or if your annual value of home is ≤$21,000). Subsidies are smaller than CHAS Blue/Orange but still helpful for basic dental work.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Your CHAS dental claim limit is the maximum subsidy per visit or per year, depending on your card tier. Check your specific limits on the CHAS website or with your dentist before treatment.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.

CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) is a Ministry of Health programme designed to keep basic dental care affordable for lower-income Singaporeans. The subsidy works in two tiers—CHAS Tier 1 and CHAS Tier 2—depending on your monthly household income.

• Tier 1: Household income ≤$1,500/month (individual) or ≤$3,000/month (family). You receive deeper subsidies and pay the lowest fees.
• Tier 2: Household income $1,501–$4,000/month (individual) or $3,001–$8,000/month (family). You receive moderate subsidies and pay mid-range fees.

Once you're enrolled, CHAS covers a defined range of treatments, but it does NOT cover everything. You get subsidies for:

• Scaling and polishing (professional cleaning): typically $25–$40 with subsidy
• Tooth fillings (composite or amalgam): $50–$120 depending on size and material
• Simple extractions (removing teeth without complex surgical work): $40–$80
• Root canals (endodontic treatment): $150–$300 depending on tooth location
• X-rays and examinations: included or minimal cost ($5–$15)
• Minor gum treatment: $50–$100

• What CHAS does NOT cover: cosmetic treatments (whitening, veneers, alignment), implants, crowns, bridges, braces, dentures, and advanced periodontal surgery. These fall outside the subsidy scope because they are considered elective or specialist-level care. If you need a crown after a root canal, for example, CHAS covers the root canal but not the crown—you would need to pay privately ($400–$900 for a crown in Singapore) or claim Medisave if you have sufficient balance.

Applying for CHAS is straightforward, but you need to meet income eligibility first and you'll apply at the location where you want to receive treatment.

1. 1Check your eligibility: Your household monthly income must not exceed $4,000 (individual) or $8,000 (family). Include all sources—salary, allowances, rental income, CPF withdrawals. If you're unsure, staff at the polyclinic or CHAS clinic can verify this for you during application.

1. 2Gather documents: Bring your NRIC (identity card) and proof of household income. Acceptable proof includes your last 3 months of payslips, CPF statement, HDB property tax notice, or a statutory declaration if you're self-employed or unemployed. If you're not the primary earner, bring proof of the earner's income as well.

1. 3Visit a CHAS-enrolled clinic: CHAS treatment is available at most polyclinics (National Health Group clinics) and approved private clinics island-wide. You cannot apply online; you must visit the clinic in person. Walk in to the dental section, tell staff you want to apply for CHAS, and they will hand you an application form (CHAS Registration Form).

1. 4Complete the form: The form takes 10–15 minutes. You'll provide your personal details, household composition, income information, and authorise the clinic to verify your eligibility through CPF or income records.

1. 5Wait for processing: Approval is usually immediate or within 1–2 working days. Once approved, the clinic will issue you a CHAS card (or digital confirmation) showing your tier and subsidy limits. You can begin receiving subsidised treatment at that clinic and other CHAS-enrolled clinics.

1. 6Start treatment: Show your CHAS card or NRIC at each appointment. The clinic will deduct the subsidy from your bill automatically, and you pay only the patient portion (co-payment). Your CHAS balance resets annually on 1 January, so you get a fresh allocation every year.

Yes, but only in a specific sequence, and not every treatment qualifies for both.

CHAS is a co-payment subsidy that reduces your out-of-pocket cost immediately at the clinic. Medisave is a personal healthcare savings account that you can withdraw from to pay medical and dental bills (if your balance is sufficient). They are two separate schemes, but you can layer them.

Here's how it works in practice:

• CHAS applies first: When you show your CHAS card, the clinic deducts the subsidy amount from the total bill. You pay the CHAS co-payment amount (the patient share).
• Medisave applies second: If you have a Medisave balance, you can then use your Medisave card to pay the co-payment that CHAS didn't cover. Your Medisave balance decreases by that amount.

• Example: A root canal costs $280. With CHAS Tier 1, your subsidy might be $180, leaving a co-payment of $100. You pay that $100 using your Medisave card. Your Medisave balance drops by $100, and you pay nothing out of pocket.

However, not all CHAS treatments are claimable under Medisave. Medisave covers procedures deemed medically necessary by CPF Board guidelines, including fillings, extractions, and root canals. Medisave does NOT cover scaling/cleaning (preventive), or cosmetic treatments. So if your CHAS treatment is covered by both schemes (e.g., a root canal), you can use them together. If your treatment is only CHAS-approved (e.g., scaling), Medisave won't apply, and you'll pay the CHAS co-payment from your own cash.

CHAS treatment is available at two types of clinics: public polyclinics (run by National Health Group) and approved private dental clinics. Both are eligible CHAS providers, but they differ in experience, environment, and appointment access.

Polyclinics (public dental clinics):

• Cost to you: Typically lower co-payments because government subsidies are higher. A filling might cost $50–$80 at a polyclinic with CHAS.
• Waiting time: Can be longer. Many polyclinics have queues, and appointments may be 2–4 weeks out during peak periods. Walk-ins are usually possible but involve waiting.
• Dentist choice: Limited. You're assigned a dentist based on availability; you cannot always choose a specific clinician.
• Comfort: Basic but clean. Polyclinics are functional environments, not spa-like. Noise from other treatment areas is common.
• Treatment scope: Full range of CHAS-covered procedures available. Most polyclinics offer scaling, fillings, extractions, and root canals.
• Continuity: You may see a different dentist each visit unless you request the same one.

Private CHAS clinics (approved private practices):

• Cost to you: Slightly higher co-payments than polyclinics (CHAS subsidy is lower), but still affordable. A filling might cost $80–$120 at a private CHAS clinic.
• Waiting time: Shorter. Many private clinics offer next-day or same-week appointments. Fewer queues overall.
• Dentist choice: Greater continuity. You often see the same dentist throughout your treatment, which helps with complex cases like root canals.
• Comfort: Higher comfort standard. Private clinics typically have quieter treatment areas, modern décor, and more privacy.
• Treatment scope: Full range of CHAS-covered procedures. Not all private clinics offer every service, so check before booking.
• Environment: More modern and patient-friendly, though this varies by clinic.

Which should you choose? If you are cost-sensitive and don't mind waiting, polyclinics offer the best CHAS subsidy value. If you prefer shorter appointment wait times and a more comfortable environment, private CHAS clinics are worth the slightly higher co-payment. For complex treatments like root canals, some patients prefer private clinics because they're more likely to see the same dentist throughout the multi-visit process. Check the CHAS clinic locator on the official CHAS website or call your nearest polyclinic to confirm which treatments they offer.

CHAS Green covers the widest group — all Singaporeans living in HDB flats with household per capita monthly income ≤$2,800 (or if your annual value of home is ≤$21,000). Subsidies are smaller than CHAS Blue/Orange but still helpful for basic dental work.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Your CHAS dental claim limit is the maximum subsidy per visit or per year, depending on your card tier. Check your specific limits on the CHAS website or with your dentist before treatment.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.

CHAS Orange covers households with per capita monthly income between $1,101 and $2,000. Subsidies are lower than CHAS Blue but still significant for common dental treatments.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.

CHAS-accredited GP clinics and dental clinics offer subsidised rates for CHAS cardholders. Look for the CHAS logo at the clinic entrance, or check the CHAS website for a list near you.

Not all dental work qualifies for Medisave or CHAS subsidies. Generally: surgical extractions, gum treatment, and certain specialist procedures are claimable. Routine fillings, scaling, and cosmetic work are not.