When it comes to dental care in Singapore, affordability can be a concern— especially for families managing both routine checkups and unexpected procedures like tooth extractions. Fortunately, Singapore offers excellent government support through schemes like CHAS and MediSave, which help make dental treatments more accessible and budget-friendly.

But what’s the difference between CHAS and MediSave? Can you use both? And how do you know which one applies to your treatment? Let’s break it down and explore how to get the most out of each.

What is CHAS?

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) is a government subsidy program that allows Singaporeans to receive affordable medical and dental care at participating clinics, including many private dental clinics.

If you’re eligible, you can enjoy subsidized treatment at a CHAS dental clinic without needing to pay the full out-of-pocket cost. CHAS is available in tiers (Blue, Orange, Green, and the Merdeka Generation/Pioneer Generation cards), and the level of subsidy depends on your income level or age group.

What is MediSave?

MediSave, on the other hand, is a national medical savings scheme that allows Singaporeans and Permanent Residents to use their CPF savings to cover certain medical and surgical expenses — including selected dental surgeries.

One common use of MediSave in dental care is for surgical procedures like wisdom tooth removal. If the procedure is deemed medically necessary and performed by a licensed professional, you can claim part or all of the cost using MediSave for wisdom tooth removal.

Key Differences Between CHAS and MediSave

Feature	CHAS	MediSave
Who qualifies	Singapore citizens with valid CHAS card	All CPF members
Type of benefit	Government subsidies	Use of personal CPF savings
Applicable for	Routine treatments, scaling, fillings, extractions	Surgical procedures like wisdom tooth removal
Clinic type	Participating private & public clinics	MOH-approved clinics or hospitals
Payment method	Pay subsidized rate at point of care	Claim from CPF account after treatment

In short, CHAS helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses for basic dental care, while MediSave helps cover more costly, surgical procedures.

Can You Use Both CHAS and MediSave Together?

Yes — in some cases, you can use both CHAS and MediSave for different parts of your treatment. For example:

• CHAS can cover your basic consultation and cleaning fees.
  
• MediSave can cover the surgical cost of procedures like wisdom tooth removal or implant surgery (if approved).
  

It’s best to confirm with your dentist in Orchard whether both schemes can be applied together for your treatment plan.

How to Maximize CHAS Benefits

Here are a few tips to make the most of your CHAS coverage:

• Choose a CHAS-participating clinic – Always visit a registered CHAS dental clinic to enjoy the subsidy.
  
• Bring your CHAS card and NRIC – This helps the clinic process the subsidy on the spot.
  
• Use CHAS for preventive care – It’s great for regular checkups, fillings, and scaling/polishing.
  

Looking for a family dental clinic that accepts CHAS? Many offer child-friendly services as well, making it easier to manage the whole family’s dental health affordably.

How to Use MediSave for Dental Surgery

To use MediSave, keep the following in mind:

• Get an official diagnosis – The procedure must be medically necessary.
  
  
• Submit a MediSave claim form – This is usually handled by your dental clinic.
  
  
• Know your limits – You can claim up to $950 for simple procedures and up to $2,850 for more complex ones.
  
  

Clinics in Orchard Dental Singapore are well-equipped to advise you on the MediSave claims process and provide transparent cost estimates before any surgery.

Why Choosing the Right Clinic Matters

Not all dental clinics offer the same services or participate in government programs. If you’re seeking quality care, cost transparency, and access to subsidies, it’s important to choose a trusted clinic that is both CHAS-approved and MediSave-accredited.

Whether you’re looking for a routine cleaning or a more complex procedure, a dentist in Orchard can guide you through your options and help you make the most of the available financial support.

FAQs

1. Can I use MediSave for all dental treatments?

No, MediSave can only be used for surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth surgery. It does not cover routine treatments like cleaning or fillings.

2. Is CHAS accepted at all dental clinics in Singapore?

Only CHAS dental clinics participate in the subsidy scheme. Always check if your clinic is CHAS-approved before booking an appointment.

3. How much can I claim from MediSave for wisdom tooth/teeth removal?

 You can typically claim between $250 to $2,850 depending on the complexity of the surgery. Learn more about MediSave for wisdom tooth removal.

4. What dental treatments are covered under CHAS?

CHAS covers a range of services like consultations, fillings, extractions, and basic preventive care.

5. Where can I find a good family dental clinic that accepts CHAS?

A reliable family dental clinic in Orchard can offer CHAS benefits and comprehensive care for all ages.

Final Thoughts

Dental health is essential, and cost shouldn’t be a barrier to getting the care you need. Both CHAS and MediSave play important roles in making dental treatment more accessible in Singapore. By understanding the differences — and when to use each — you can save money while ensuring top-quality dental care for yourself and your family.