Regular dental cleaning, professionally known as scaling and polishing, is fundamental to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. But let’s face it, the cost can be a concern for many in Singapore. How much should you budget? Where can you find affordable options?
This guide breaks down the costs of dental cleaning in both public and private settings in Singapore, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care.
1. Dental Cleaning Costs At Public Institutions
Public dental services are available at polyclinics in Singapore.
i) Cost Of Scaling & Polishing At Polyclinics
Cost. Polyclinics offer subsidised rates for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs). Here are the rough pricing for scaling and polishing at polyclinics in Singapore.
- Singapore Citizen Adults: $49 to $89
- Singapore Citizens (Child & Elderly): $24 to $45
- Permanent Residents: $75 – $135
- Non-Residents: $148 to $278
Subsidies. Polyclinics in Singapore already provide substantial government subsidies for all Singaporeans. Therefore, CHAS subsidies do not apply at polyclinics and are meant specifically for use at private GP and dental clinics.
Pros. Generally the most affordable option for eligible residents due to subsidies
Cons. Appointments can be notoriously difficult to book, often with long waiting times (weeks or even months). Not all polyclinics offer dental services, limiting location choices.
2. Dental Cleaning Costs At Private Dental Clinics
Private dental clinics in Singapore offers greater convenience, significantly shorter waiting times and often a more personalized patient experience compared to public institutions.
However, this convenience comes at a considerably higher cost vs public polyclinics. Even lower-end private prices are substantially higher than subsidised polyclinic rates for Singapore citizens.
Cost: Prices vary significantly. A basic scaling and polishing procedure (often including consultation) typically ranges from $70 to $200+.
| Low-End | Mid-End | High End | |
| Price | $65-$98 | $90-$150 | $160-$250+ |
| Examples | Sincere Dental, WeSmile Dental | Frank Dental, NTUC Health Denticare, Q&M, Advance Dental Group | Azure Dental, Thomson Medical |
Examples of Private Clinic Pricing (Consultation + Scaling & Polishing)
- B9 Dental Centre: $60 – $85 (Scaling & polishing only, consultation stated as free)
- The Dental Studio: $88 nett package (first-time customers only)
- Denticare (Formerly NTUC Health Denticare): $92.65 – $196.20
- TS Dental Care: $90 – $130
- Advance Dental Group: $90 – $170
- Greenlife Dental: Approximately $90 – $190
- Newport Dental: From $95
- Q&M Dental Group: From $109 (based on consultation from $21.80 + scaling and polishing from $87.20)
- Azure Dental: $170 – $220 (may include complex cleaning up to $180)
Price transparency also varies in the private sector. While some clinics provide detailed online price lists, including whether GST is included, others may require direct contact for quotes or provide only starting prices. It is always advisable to confirm the total estimated cost and exactly what it includes before proceeding with treatment.
3. Make Dental Cleaning More Affordable Through Subsidies
The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Merdeka Generation (MG), and Pioneer Generation (PG) packages provide significant subsidies for dental care at participating private dental clinics.
CHAS/MG/PG Subsidies for Scaling & Polishing
- CHAS Blue: $50.50
- Merdeka Generation (MG): $60.50
- Pioneer Generation (PG): $70.50
CHAS Orange: $0 subsidy currently for scaling and polishing. Subsidies apply only to selected complex procedures like dentures, crowns, and root canal treatments.
CHAS is therefore the main avenue for citizens to receive subsidies for routine dental cleaning, especially when using private clinics. However, the applicable subsidy level depends heavily on the specific CHAS tier, with Orange cardholders currently excluded from scaling/polishing benefits until the Q4 2025 changes take effect.
MediSave
Unfortunately, MediSave cannot be used for routine, non-surgical dental treatments. This includes consultations, scaling and polishing, fillings, standard extractions, crowns, bridges, dentures, braces, and generally deep cleaning/root planing.
Other Potential Savings
- Child Development Account (CDA): Funds from the Baby Bonus scheme’s CDA can be used for children’s dental expenses, including scaling and polishing.
- Insurance/Employee Benefits: Some corporate dental benefits may cover cleaning. Check specific policy details for private insurance (like Integrated Shield Plan riders) as coverage varies.
4. Conclusion
For many Singapore residents, the choice boils down to priorities. If budget is the primary concern and time is not critical, polyclinics offer the lowest cost. If speed, convenience, and choice are paramount, then private dental clinics is the preferred option, though at a higher price.
Regular dental cleaning is an investment in your health. While costs vary, options exist across different budgets in Singapore. Understand the price structures, inquire about what’s included, and leverage available subsidies like CHAS if you’re eligible.
