CHAS Dental Visit Cost Singapore: Prices & Medisave
Quick answer
A CHAS dental visit typically costs $20–$80 SGD for basic treatments like check-ups, scaling, and fillings at MOH-approved clinics. You can use CHAS subsidies (which reduce your out-of-pocket costs by 50–80%) and Medisave together in the same visit. Complex treatments like implants or orthodontics are not covered.
Here's what you typically pay at a CHAS-approved clinic: - Check-up and cleaning (scaling): $5–$15 SGD with subsidy (unsubsidised cost is around $40–$60 at private clinics) - Simple filling: $20–$40 SGD with subsidy - Tooth extraction: $20–$50 SGD with subsidy - Denture adjustment: $10–$30 SGD with subsidy Without CHAS, these same treatments at a private clinic would typically cost $60–$150 or more.
What are CHAS dental clinics and how much do they cost?
When I first heard about CHAS subsidies, I thought I wasn't eligible — I'm not on financial assistance, so I assumed it was only for low-income patients. Turns out I was wrong. What actually matters is whether your household income and number of dependents fall within the CHAS thresholds. That realization saved me hundreds on my dental bills once I understood how the system actually works.
CHAS stands for Community Health Assist Scheme, a Ministry of Health subsidy programme that makes basic dental care affordable. Your out-of-pocket cost depends on your household income bracket and your dependents — the lower your income, the deeper your subsidy.
Here's what you typically pay at a CHAS-approved clinic:
- Check-up and cleaning (scaling): $5–$15 SGD with subsidy (unsubsidised cost is around $40–$60 at private clinics)
- Simple filling: $20–$40 SGD with subsidy
- Tooth extraction: $20–$50 SGD with subsidy
- Denture adjustment: $10–$30 SGD with subsidy
Without CHAS, these same treatments at a private clinic would typically cost $60–$150 or more. The subsidy covers between 50% and 80% of the treatment cost, depending on your income bracket.
To qualify for CHAS, your monthly household income must be below certain thresholds: $4,600 for households with one dependent, up to $7,800 for households with five or more dependents (figures accurate as of 2024). Your clinic will verify your eligibility when you register.
Can you use CHAS and Medisave together in one visit?
I made the mistake of assuming CHAS and Medisave were either-or options at my first CHAS visit. The receptionist had to explain that I could actually claim both in the same appointment. The two programmes work differently — CHAS is an income-based subsidy, while Medisave lets you draw from your own CPF savings — so they're designed to stack.
Yes, you can use CHAS subsidies and Medisave in the same dental visit. Here's how they work together:
- 1CHAS subsidy is applied first: Your clinic deducts the CHAS subsidy from the total treatment cost
- 2You pay the remaining balance or use Medisave: Once the CHAS subsidy reduces your bill, you can claim the remaining amount from your Medisave account
- 3You pay any final out-of-pocket amount: If the remaining balance exceeds your available Medisave, you pay the difference in cash
For example: A scaling and cleaning normally costs $60. With CHAS, you might pay $12 (80% subsidy). You could then claim that $12 from Medisave, leaving you with $0 out-of-pocket.
Not all CHAS clinics accept Medisave claims, so check with your clinic first. You'll need to bring your NRIC and your Medisave card (or a digital copy) to your appointment. If your clinic is MOH-approved for Medisave, the receptionist will process both claims simultaneously — you won't need to file separate claims.
What dental treatments are NOT covered by CHAS?
I went to a CHAS clinic assuming they'd cover my root canal treatment, only to be told it wasn't on their subsidy list. That's when I realised that CHAS has a specific scope — it covers preventive and basic treatments, but not complex procedures. Understanding what's excluded saved me from wasting time at clinics that couldn't help.
CHAS covers basic preventive and restorative care, but excludes most complex and cosmetic treatments. Here's what you cannot claim:
- Root canal treatment (endodontics): Not covered — you'll pay the full private clinic cost of $300–$800
- Dental implants: Not covered — full cost ranges from $2,000–$5,000+ per implant
- Orthodontics (braces, Invisalign): Not covered — costs $3,500–$9,000 for full treatment
- Dentures and crowns: Crowns are not covered; partial or complete dentures may be subsidised depending on the clinic
- Teeth whitening and cosmetic treatments: Not covered — these are not considered medically necessary
- Gum grafts and advanced periodontal surgery: Not covered — only basic scaling is covered
- Bridgework: Not covered under CHAS
- CHAS covers: check-ups, scaling and cleaning, simple fillings, extractions, denture adjustments, and preventive sealants.
For uncovered treatments, you have options: pay privately at a private dental clinic, check if your private insurance covers any of the cost, or look into loan options some clinics offer. Some patients save up for complex treatments or seek treatment at dental schools (like National University of Singapore Dental School), where costs are lower because treatment is supervised by students under faculty oversight.
How to apply for a CHAS card if you don't have one
I didn't have a CHAS card when I first moved to my current neighbourhood, and I thought the application would be complicated. It turned out to be straightforward — mostly because MOH centralised the process online and through polyclinics. Once I knew where to go, it took less than 20 minutes.
If you're a Singapore citizen or permanent resident with a household income below the threshold, you can apply for CHAS at no cost:
- 1Apply online at healthhub.sg: Log in with your SingPass, complete the eligibility form, and submit. You'll get an instant decision.
- 2Apply in person at any polyclinic: Bring your NRIC, proof of household income (pay slip, CPF statement, or letter from employer), and a recent utility bill showing your address. Staff will help you fill out the form and verify eligibility on the spot.
- 3Apply at a CHAS dental clinic: Some approved dental clinics can help you apply during your visit, though not all can.
You'll receive a CHAS card (physical card or digital version on your phone) immediately after approval. The card is valid for one year and covers you at any MOH-approved CHAS dental, medical, or laboratory clinic.
If your household income or dependents change, you should update your CHAS record online or at a polyclinic so your subsidy level reflects your current situation. The system is designed to be transparent — you can check your current CHAS status anytime on HealthHub.
Are all CHAS dental clinics MOH-approved for Medisave claims?
I discovered the hard way that not every CHAS clinic accepts Medisave. I arrived at one clinic thinking I could use both, but they only took CHAS and cash. The receptionist explained that MOH approves clinics for CHAS, but Medisave is a separate CPF Board approval, and some clinics choose not to handle the extra paperwork. That taught me to always call ahead and confirm.
No. A clinic can be approved for CHAS subsidies without being approved to accept Medisave claims. This is a common source of confusion.
MOH approval and CPF Board approval are separate:
- MOH approves clinics to provide CHAS-subsidised care: This means your CHAS subsidy will be honoured
- CPF Board approves clinics to accept Medisave: This is a separate credential that allows patients to claim from their CPF Medisave account
Some clinics have both approvals. Some have only CHAS approval. A few have only Medisave approval and no CHAS. You need to confirm with the clinic before your visit.
How to check: Call the clinic directly and ask, "Do you accept CHAS subsidies and Medisave claims?" Alternatively, visit moh.gov.sg or chas.sg and search for the clinic name — the directory will show whether it's CHAS-approved. For Medisave acceptance, call the CPF Board at 1800-227-7777 or check cpf.gov.sg for a list of approved dental clinics.
If your clinic only takes CHAS and not Medisave, you'll pay the CHAS-subsidised cost in full. If they take both, you can layer the benefits as described above. Some patients choose to switch clinics to access Medisave, especially if they have significant CPF savings available.
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.
Cost in Singapore
$5–$80 SGD with CHAS subsidy (unsubsidised equivalent: $40–$150 SGD)
CHAS is an income-based subsidy covering 50–80% of treatment costs for basic dental care. You must meet household income thresholds ($4,600–$7,800 monthly depending on dependents) and be a Singapore citizen or permanent resident. Not all CHAS clinics accept Medisave, so confirm both approvals before booking. Complex treatments (root canals, implants, orthodontics) are not covered by CHAS; private payment is required.
Key takeaways
- CHAS dental visits cost $5–$50 with subsidies, versus $60–$150 without — your final cost depends on your household income and the treatment type.
- You can use CHAS subsidies and Medisave together in the same visit if your clinic is approved for both — CHAS is applied first, then Medisave covers the remaining balance.
- CHAS covers check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and extractions, but excludes root canals, implants, braces, crowns, and cosmetic treatments.
- Not all CHAS clinics accept Medisave — always confirm both approvals with the clinic before your appointment to avoid surprises.
- Apply for CHAS online at healthhub.sg or in person at any polyclinic in under 20 minutes if your household income meets the threshold.
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