More being done to improve subsidised dental care

My Point

15 October 2013, The Straits Times

I VISITED Woodlands Polyclinic with my son three weeks ago to make an appointment for a dental consultation.

We were told that we could be seen only in May next year, and then face another longer wait to get the required treatment at a hospital.

Are polyclinics understaffed or are appointments so packed that they cannot accept new ones until very much later?

To enjoy subsidised rates at a hospital, patients have to be referred by a polyclinic. But faced with such a long wait, they have no choice but to seek treatment at private clinics.

Can the relevant authorities comment on this issue?

Priscilla Kumari (Ms)

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MOH-NHGP’s joint reply

More being done to improve subsidised dental care

28 October 2013, The Straits Times

TO MEET the rising demand for subsidised dental care by Singaporeans, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP) have been working to improve capacity ("Long wait for dental appointment" by Ms Priscilla Kumari; Oct 15).

For example, registered oral health therapists are now working alongside polyclinic dentists to perform basic dental services like scaling and polishing. We have also introduced measures to remind patients to keep to their appointments, or cancel/re-schedule them in advance - so that their appointment slots can be given to others who need it more - should they be unable to turn up for their sessions.

MOH has also enhanced the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas), which provides subsidised dental care at more than 290 participating private dental clinics islandwide. This will also shorten waiting times for Singaporeans seeking subsidised dental care. The list of subsidised dental treatments was also expanded to include more dental procedures, such as crowns, dentures and root canal treatments. Besides these procedures, Chas clinics can make referrals for subsidised care at specialist centres for the necessary treatments. With the removal of the Chas qualifying age from January next year, more Singaporeans will be able to receive subsidised dental care at these clinics.

Patients that require emergency dental care would be given priority at our polyclinics. We will continue to monitor and manage the waiting times for subsidised dental treatments closely.

NHGP has been in touch with Ms Priscilla to better understand her concerns.

Bey Mui Leng (Ms)
Director, Corporate Communications
Ministry of Health

Dr Kenneth Low
Director, Dental Division
National Healthcare Group Polyclinics