Waiting Time to Secure Appointments for Root Canal Treatment at Public Healthcare Institutions and Use of MediSave

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the current average waiting time to secure appointments for root canal treatment at public healthcare institutions; (b) with the growing importance of root canal treatment for preserving oral health and quality of life, whether the Ministry will consider expanding MediSave coverage for root canal treatment; and (c) if not, what are factors hindering such a move and what alternatives do patients have.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The average waiting time for patients seeking subsidised endodontic treatment, including root canal treatment, at public healthcare institutions is about 30 days. Regardless, emergency dental cases will be seen and stabilised on the same day before being referred for further management. In addition to public healthcare institutions that offer dental services, eligible Singaporeans can also benefit from subsidised root canal treatment at private dental clinics which are part of the Community Health Assist Scheme.

There are many requests for treatments to be eligible for MediSave deduction. They need to be carefully considered, to strike a balance between improving healthcare affordability, ensuring MediSave adequacy and keeping Central Provident Fund contribution rates reasonable for all. MediSave can currently be used to pay for dental day surgical treatments, which generally incur higher out-of-pocket costs.

Nevertheless, patients who cannot afford their dental treatment after subsidies and/or MediSave use can approach medical social workers for MediFund and other financial assistance. The Ministry of Health will continue to review our financing schemes to ensure dental services remain affordable.