RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL CARE DENTISTRY AS A DENTAL SPECIALTY

The Dental Specialists Accreditation Board (DSAB)¹, with support from the Ministry of Health (MOH), will recognise Special Care Dentistry as the eighth dental specialty in Singapore from 1 July 2025. The new dental specialty addresses the growing need for specialised dental care, particularly in light of Singapore’s ageing population.

2. Special Care Dentistry looks into oral healthcare for adults with complex needs, including those with significant physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions that limit their ability to receive routine dental care. While routine dental visits usually occur in outpatient settings, these individuals may face challenges in accessing appropriate dental care in a timely manner, which could then lead to increased risk of oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal disease, that can significantly impact their oral function, general health, and quality of life.

3. The recognition of Special Care Dentistry as a dental specialty will support professional development and encourage more dental practitioners to pursue advanced training in this field. The DSAB will establish professional standards, alongside enhanced training competencies to ensure dental specialists meet quality care standards. With their specialised training, these dental specialists would be better positioned to manage patients with complex dental needs and profiles. This will strengthen Singapore's dental healthcare framework and improve access to specialised dental care for patients with special care needs throughout their lifespan.

4. Special Care Dentistry will be included in the list of dental specialties recognised by the DSAB. The other seven dental specialties are Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics and Dental Public Health. Special Care Dentistry is already recognised as a specialty in several countries including Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Malaysia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

5. Further details of the accreditation process and training requirements are published on the DSAB website at https://dsab.healthprofessionals.gov.sg/announcements

¹ The DSAB determines the qualifications, experience and other conditions for accreditation and registration as specialists under the Dental Registration Act 1999. It also defines specialties in dentistry, including introduction of new dental specialties. The DSAB also accredits the training programmes for dental specialists. Accredited dental specialists may then apply to the Singapore Dental Council to be registered on the Register of Specialists.