By The Big Buy desk · Last verified 7 October 2026
MOH publishes fee benchmarks for 18 common procedures at CHAS dental clinics, which give a fair guide to what most clinics charge. Before GST, a consultation is S$21 to S$31, scaling S$35 to S$60 and polishing S$26 to S$38, a simple filling S$65 to S$160, a molar root canal S$872 to S$1,400 and a crown S$750 to S$1,400. Braces for both jaws average about S$3,900 to S$6,400 for private patients at public dental centres. Holders of CHAS Blue, Orange, Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation cards get subsidies at participating clinics, and from 1 October 2025 the subsidies for crowns, root canals and dentures rose sharply, with CHAS Orange gaining subsidies for basic care too.
A healthy smile is one of the best investments there is, and regular check-ups keep it affordable. Here is what to expect.
Quick facts
- Scaling and polishing: about S$61 to S$98 together, before GST, on MOH’s benchmarks.
- Simple filling: S$65 to S$160; complex filling S$80 to S$180.
- Crown: S$750 to S$1,400.
- Braces, two jaws: S$3,921 to S$6,400 average for private patients at public institutions, excluding GST.
- CHAS limits: up to two subsidised scaling and two polishing visits, and six fillings, each calendar year.
- Benchmarks are not caps: clinics may charge more, but CHAS clinics must display them.
What common treatments cost
MOH’s fee benchmarks for CHAS dental clinics, excluding GST, introduced in October 2025:
| Procedure | Benchmark range |
|---|---|
| Consultation | S$21–31 |
| Scaling | S$35–60 |
| Polishing | S$26–38 |
| X-ray (small film) | S$16–33 |
| Filling, simple | S$65–160 |
| Filling, complex | S$80–180 |
| Extraction, back tooth | S$93–164 |
| Root canal, molar | S$872–1,400 |
| Permanent crown | S$750–1,400 |
| Complete denture | S$500–818 |
Braces, implants and wisdom teeth
MOH also lists average fees for private (non-subsidised) patients at public dental centres, excluding GST, consultations and X-rays:
| Treatment | Lowest average | Highest average |
|---|---|---|
| Braces, both jaws, non-surgical | S$3,921 (NUCOHS) | S$6,400 (Changi General Hospital) |
| Implant with crown, per tooth | S$4,835 (Khoo Teck Puat Hospital) | S$6,168 (Tan Tock Seng Hospital) |
| Impacted wisdom tooth surgery, local anaesthetic | S$794 (Sengkang General Hospital) | S$1,407 (National Dental Centre) |
Private orthodontists set their own fees, often with different appliances such as clear aligners. Ask for a written, all-in quote that includes retainers and reviews.
How subsidies help
CHAS subsidies apply at participating dental clinics and are taken off the bill; you pay the clinic’s fee minus the subsidy. Amounts depend on your card. Examples for CHAS Orange from 1 October 2025:
| Procedure | CHAS Orange subsidy |
|---|---|
| Basic and preventive care, ten procedures | Up to S$45.50 each, newly covered |
| Back-tooth extraction | S$45.50 |
| Root canal, molar | S$389.50 (up from S$170.50) |
| Permanent crown | S$410.00 (up from S$84.50) |
CHAS Blue, Merdeka Generation and Pioneer Generation cardholders receive higher amounts; check the CHAS website for your card. MOH also announced that from mid-2026, patients aged 60 and above can use up to S$400 a year of Flexi-MediSave for root canals and crowns.
A worked example
MOH’s own illustration: a CHAS Orange cardholder aged 60 or above has a S$950 molar root canal. The subsidy of S$389.50 brings it to S$560.50, and S$400 of Flexi-MediSave brings the cash payment to about S$160.
The WahLiao Verdict
Book a check-up with scaling every six months; it is the cheapest dental care you will ever buy and catches small problems before they become crowns. Compare any quote with MOH’s benchmarks, choose a CHAS clinic if you hold a card, and ask for a written estimate before root canals, crowns or braces. For braces and implants, get a second opinion and a public-centre quote before committing.
Questions people ask
How much is scaling and polishing in Singapore?
On MOH’s benchmarks, about S$61 to S$98 together before GST, plus a consultation fee at many clinics.
Are the fee benchmarks price caps?
No. They are reference ranges. Clinics can charge outside them, but CHAS clinics must display the benchmarks.
How often can I claim CHAS for scaling?
Up to two scaling and two polishing claims per calendar year, with consultations at least six months apart.
Are braces cheaper at a public dental centre?
Often, though waiting times can be long. MOH’s averages for private patients at public institutions range from about S$3,900 to S$6,400 for both jaws.
Sources: Ministry of Health, guide to dental treatment costs and fee benchmarks; Ministry of Health, enhanced CHAS dental support, September 2025; CHAS, dental services and claim limits; CHAS, strengthening support for oral health. The Big Buy explains; it does not advise.
Read next: Seeing a Doctor: Polyclinic, GP and Specialist Fees, CHAS and Healthier SG · The Cost of Having a Baby in Singapore · Back to The Big Buy
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