Apr 20, 2012

Singapore - Gan Kim Yong calls for more transparency from dentists


SINGAPORE: Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong on Friday called on the Singapore Dental Association to come up with a directory of dental care information and services.

The directory would contain detailed and unbiased information on the various types of dental treatment procedures, range of charges, outcomes and even risks, which the public and profession can refer to.

And to further promote greater transparency of dental charges, Mr Gan hoped that more private dental clinics will publish their range of charges on the Health Ministry's website.

Mr Gan was speaking at the opening ceremony of the International Dental Exhibition and Meeting (IDEM) attended by dentists and related oral health professionals.

Mr Gan also said to meet the demands of a fast aging population in Singapore, the care and provision of both medical and dental treatment will become more complex.

He stressed that there will be a greater need for dental professionals here to update and upgrade themselves on the management of the elderly.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health will continue to ensure that dental health care remains affordable for all Singaporeans, especially the needy and elderly.

One way to do this is through the existing Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) which aims to provide Singaporeans aged 40 and above better access to primary health care by bringing affordable services closer to them. Those with per capita household income of S$1,500 will qualify.

The list of dental treatment covered by the scheme has also been expanded to include dental procedures such as crowns, bridges, dentures and root canal treatment.

Under the scheme, private general dental practitioners are engaged to provide common outpatient dental treatment. Eligible patients will receive a subsidy that will bring the net charges closer to what is charged at government polyclinics.

- CNA/wm



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