The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) provides subsidies for eligible Singapore Citizens at participating GP and dental clinics. If you hold a CHAS card, it helps to understand which dental treatments are covered, what the limits are, and how to use your subsidy. This article outlines the general scope of CHAS dental coverage based on publicly available information.

 

Who Is Eligible for CHAS?

CHAS is available to Singapore Citizens who meet the household income or Annual Value criteria set by MOH. Cards are tiered:

• CHAS Blue — for households with lower per capita monthly income or lower Annual Value

• CHAS Orange — for households with slightly higher income thresholds

• Pioneer Generation (PG) — for Singapore Citizens born on or before 31 December 1949

• Merdeka Generation (MG) — for Singapore Citizens born between 1950 and 1959

Subsidy levels differ across tiers, with PG cardholders generally receiving higher dental subsidies. Check eligibility and apply at cpf.gov.sg.

What Dental Treatments Are Covered Under CHAS?

CHAS provides subsidies for a defined list of dental services at participating clinics. Based on current MOH guidelines, covered treatments generally include:

• Scaling and polishing

• Fluoride treatment

• Simple extractions

• Fillings (amalgam and composite)

• Root canal treatment (anterior/front teeth)

• Surgical extractions (subject to limits)

• Partial and full dentures

• X-rays related to claimable treatments

Each treatment has a specific subsidy cap. Subsidies apply per visit and are subject to annual limits per card tier. The attending dentist will inform you of the claimable amount and your co-payment before treatment.

 

What Is Not Covered Under CHAS Dental?

CHAS dental coverage is focused on essential and preventive care. Treatments that are generally not covered include:

• Dental implants (the surgical component may separately qualify for Medisave in certain cases)

• Orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners)

• Crowns and bridges (in most cases)

• Veneers and cosmetic procedures

• Teeth whitening

• Some complex surgical procedures

For treatments outside CHAS coverage, patients pay the full fee, or may be able to use Medisave (where applicable) or private insurance.

 

Using CHAS Alongside Medisave

Medisave may be used for certain dental surgical procedures, including the surgical placement of dental implants in eligible cases. CHAS and Medisave can sometimes be used for different components of treatment. Your dentist will advise on what is claimable under each scheme for your specific procedure.

 

Finding a CHAS-Participating Dental Clinic

Not all dental clinics in Singapore participate in CHAS. To use your subsidy, you must visit a clinic registered as a CHAS dental provider. A directory of participating clinics is available on the MOH website. Look for the CHAS logo displayed at the clinic.

 

How do I know if I can use CHAS?

• Bring your CHAS card to every appointment — subsidies cannot be applied retroactively

• Inform the clinic staff of your CHAS status before treatment begins

• Ask for an itemised breakdown showing claimable versus non-claimable treatment costs

• Annual subsidy limits reset each calendar year  if you are approaching your limit, your dentist can advise

Kong Dental is a CHAS-participating dental clinic across all locations. We accept CHAS Blue, CHAS Orange, Pioneer Generation, and Merdeka Generation cards.

Our staff will advise on what is claimable and what your out-of-pocket costs are before any treatment begins.

For queries about CHAS coverage at our clinic, please call or visit us. For official subsidy information, refer to moh.gov.sg.