Cheapest Dentists in Singapore: Real Costs & CHAS
Quick answer
The cheapest dental care in Singapore is at polyclinics ($15–$50) and CHAS-subsidised clinics ($5–$50 co-payment after subsidy). Private clinics start at $80–$150 for basic checkups and cleanings. Your actual cost depends on the procedure, your subsidy eligibility (CHAS, Medisave), and clinic type. Most Singaporeans don't realise they qualify for CHAS dental subsidies — they're worth checking first.
I spent four years going to a private clinic and paying $150 for a basic checkup and cleaning, never questioning the bill.
How I learned to stop paying full price at private clinics
Having been through several dental procedures in Singapore — some planned, some urgent — I've accumulated a useful amount of practical knowledge about what to expect and what most guides leave out.
I spent four years going to a private clinic and paying $150 for a basic checkup and cleaning, never questioning the bill. Then a friend mentioned she paid $20 at a CHAS clinic for the same thing, and I realised I'd been overpaying by hundreds of dollars annually. It turns out most Singaporeans either don't know where the cheapest dental care is, or think public dental clinics mean lower quality — they don't. Once I understood the cost tiers and subsidy rules, everything changed.
The fundamental reason dental costs vary so much in Singapore isn't quality; it's clinic type and overheads. Polyclinics and CHAS clinics operate at scale with government subsidies. Private clinics have higher rent, staffing, and equipment costs — and they charge accordingly. Understanding which clinic tier you actually need, and whether you qualify for subsidies, is the single biggest lever for cutting your dental costs by 50–80%.
Where to find the cheapest dentists: The three clinic tiers
Dental care in Singapore falls into three cost categories. Understanding which one suits your situation (and whether you qualify for subsidies) is your roadmap to affordability.
1. Polyclinics (cheapest overall) Cost: $15–$50 per visit for basic care (examination, cleaning, simple extractions) Subsidy: Full subsidy for Singapore citizens and permanent residents Waiting time: 2–6 weeks for non-emergency appointments Available services: Preventive care, fillings, extractions, dentures, limited specialist care 16 polyclinics operate across Singapore; find yours on healthhub.sg
2. CHAS-subsidised private clinics (affordable tier) Cost: $5–$50 co-payment after government subsidy (depending on your age, income, and procedure) Subsidy: For Singapore citizens aged 40+ or with chronic disease, CHAS covers 50–80% of costs Waiting time: Usually 1–2 weeks Available services: Preventive care, fillings, extractions, root canals, bridges Around 650+ CHAS-accredited dentists operate nationwide; check chas.sg for a clinic near you Pro tip: If you're 40 or older and a Singapore citizen, you likely already qualify for CHAS subsidies — even if you've never claimed them
3. Private clinics (convenience premium) Cost: $80–$300+ for basic services; $200–$800+ for specialist or cosmetic procedures Subsidy: Medisave applies to specific treatments (see below), but generally lower subsidy percentage than CHAS Waiting time: Often same-week or same-day appointments Available services: Full range including cosmetic, orthodontics, implants, whitening Higher overheads and smaller patient base mean higher prices across the board
Real cost breakdowns: What you'll actually pay
Here are the actual out-of-pocket costs you can expect for common procedures at each clinic tier in Singapore, 2026:
Basic checkup and cleaning: Polyclinic: $15–$25 CHAS clinic: $5–$15 co-payment (after 50–80% subsidy) Private clinic: $80–$150
Filling (one surface, standard resin): Polyclinic: $30–$50 CHAS clinic: $15–$40 co-payment Private clinic: $150–$250
Extraction (simple, one tooth): Polyclinic: $30–$60 CHAS clinic: $20–$50 co-payment Private clinic: $150–$300
**Root canal treatment:** Polyclinic: $80–$150 (if available; many refer out) CHAS clinic: $40–$100 co-payment Private clinic: $400–$800
**Tooth whitening (cosmetic):** Polyclinic: Not available CHAS clinic: Not available (cosmetic care excluded) Private clinic: $300–$800
CHAS subsidies only apply to restorative, preventive, and surgical care — not cosmetic procedures. If you need orthodontics, implants, or whitening, you'll need a private clinic, and Medisave may cover part of the cost if you qualify.
Medisave and CHAS: Which subsidy actually applies to you
Singapore has two main subsidy programmes for dental care. Most people confuse them or think they only apply to one programme.
Medisave (available to most Singaporeans): Eligible: All CPF members (Singapore citizens and some permanent residents) Coverage: Specific dental treatments — extractions, fillings, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic treatment for children under 12 Claim limit: Up to $1,000 per year per household How it works: You use your CPF Medisave account directly; the clinic deducts the amount from your CPF, and you pay any balance out-of-pocket Catch: Medisave only covers treatment cost (not diagnosis or examination), and only at designated clinics
CHAS (better subsidy if you qualify): Eligible: Singapore citizens aged 40 and over; or under 40 but with a chronic condition (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, etc.) Coverage: Preventive care, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures Subsidy rate: 50–80% off standard fees, depending on your age and income Annual limit: None specified (you can use it multiple times per year) How it works: You pay only the CHAS co-payment at a CHAS-accredited clinic; the government covers the rest Catch: CHAS clinics have fixed fee schedules, so co-payments are predictable, but they may have longer waiting times
If you're over 40 and a Singapore citizen, CHAS is almost always cheaper than Medisave — but you have to enrol first via chas.sg or any CHAS clinic. Many people have CHAS benefits sitting unused because they never enrolled.
How to find the cheapest dentist near you: Practical steps
Once you know the cost tiers and subsidy options, finding affordable dental care becomes straightforward.
1. Check if you qualify for CHAS: Visit chas.sg or call 1800-275-2427. You need to be a Singapore citizen aged 40+, or under 40 with a chronic condition. Takes 5 minutes. If you qualify, enrol immediately — subsidies don't apply retroactively.
2. If CHAS-eligible: Search for a CHAS-accredited dentist at chas.sg. Filter by location and book an appointment. Your out-of-pocket cost will be $5–$50 depending on the procedure — far lower than private clinics.
3. If not CHAS-eligible (e.g., under 40, no chronic condition): Check if you have Medisave balance (log in to CPF Board portal). If you do, find a Medisave-accredited dentist and ask if they accept Medisave claims. Your out-of-pocket cost will be the procedure cost minus your Medisave claim (capped at $1,000/year household).
4. If no subsidies apply: Visit a polyclinic first. Polyclinics treat all Singapore citizens and permanent residents regardless of age or income. Cost: $15–$50 per visit. Expect a longer wait, but the fee is half or less than a private clinic.
**5. For specialist care (orthodontics, implants, whitening):** No government subsidy covers these. You'll need a private clinic. Get 2–3 quotes before committing — prices vary by $200–$500+ even in the same area.
Private clinics often bundle procedures or offer package discounts (e.g., "teeth whitening + cleaning $500" instead of $300 + $150 separately). Always ask about package deals and compare with standalone pricing — sometimes a package is cheaper, sometimes it's inflated.
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 Blue is for lower-income Singaporeans (household income ≤$1,100/month per person, or per capita ≤$1,100). It gives the highest dental subsidies — up to $125 per visit at CHAS-accredited clinics.
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 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.
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
$15–$300+ SGD per visit (polyclinic to private clinic), depending on subsidy eligibility and procedure type
CHAS subsidies (50–80% off) apply if you're a Singapore citizen aged 40+ or under 40 with a chronic disease — enrol at chas.sg first. Medisave covers specific treatments (fillings, extractions, root canals) up to $1,000/year household for CPF members. Polyclinics offer full subsidy for all Singapore citizens and permanent residents. Cosmetic procedures (whitening, orthodontics, implants) are not covered by CHAS or Medisave — private clinic only.
Key takeaways
- Polyclinics cost $15–$50 per visit and serve all Singapore citizens — they're the single cheapest option if you can wait 2–6 weeks for an appointment.
- CHAS-subsidised clinics cut private clinic costs by 50–80% if you're over 40 or have a chronic condition, but you must enrol first at chas.sg.
- Medisave covers specific treatments up to $1,000/year household, but CHAS typically gives a better subsidy for eligible patients.
- Private clinics cost $80–$300+ for basic care because of higher overheads — you're paying for convenience, not significantly better quality for routine procedures.
- Before paying private clinic prices, always check: (1) Am I CHAS-eligible?, (2) Do I have Medisave balance?, (3) Can I use a polyclinic? — this sequence can cut costs by 70%.
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Ready to find affordable dental care near you?
Whether you qualify for CHAS, want to use your Medisave, or prefer a polyclinic, you can compare clinics and costs in your area using our clinic finder. Enter your location and treatment type to see real prices and subsidy eligibility.