If you are a Singapore Citizen looking to save on dental care, the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. CHAS provides subsidies for a range of essential dental treatments at participating clinics across Singapore, including Trust Dental Surgery. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about CHAS dental subsidies in 2026 — from card tiers and subsidy amounts to what is and is not covered.
What Is CHAS?
CHAS stands for the Community Health Assist Scheme. It is a government initiative that provides subsidies for medical and dental care at participating GP and dental clinics. The scheme is designed to help lower- and middle-income Singaporean households access affordable healthcare. All Singapore Citizens are eligible, with subsidy amounts varying based on household income.
To use CHAS, you simply present your CHAS card at a participating clinic. The subsidy is applied directly to your bill — there is no need to file a separate claim. Trust Dental Surgery is a CHAS-accredited clinic with locations in Jurong West and Clementi.
CHAS Card Tiers Explained
There are four CHAS card tiers, each offering different levels of subsidy. The tier you receive depends on your household monthly income per person:
CHAS Blue
For households with a monthly per capita income of up to $900, or living in properties with an Annual Value of up to $13,000. This tier provides higher subsidies than CHAS Orange for most dental treatments.
CHAS Orange
For households with a monthly per capita income between $901 and $1,500, or properties with an Annual Value of $13,001 to $21,000. Subsidies are available but at lower amounts compared to CHAS Blue.
Pioneer Generation (PG)
For Singapore Citizens born on or before 31 December 1949 who obtained citizenship on or before 31 December 1986. Pioneer Generation cardholders receive the highest subsidies across all dental treatments, regardless of household income.
Merdeka Generation (MG)
For Singapore Citizens born between 1 January 1950 and 31 December 1959 who obtained citizenship on or before 31 December 1996. Merdeka Generation cardholders receive subsidies similar to Pioneer Generation levels.
CHAS Dental Subsidy Amounts by Tier
The following table shows the maximum CHAS subsidy amounts for common dental treatments at participating clinics. These are the amounts the government subsidises — you pay the remaining balance after the subsidy is applied.
| Treatment | Pioneer / Merdeka | CHAS Blue | CHAS Orange |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling | Up to $40 | Up to $30 | Up to $20 |
| Simple fillings | — | Up to $30 | Up to $20 |
| Anterior extraction | Up to $38.50 | — | — |
| Posterior extraction | Up to $78.50 | Up to $68.50 | Up to $45.50 |
| Anterior root canal | Up to $326 | Up to $326 | Up to $217.50 |
| Pre-molar root canal | Up to $472.50 | Up to $472.50 | — |
| Molar root canal | Up to $594.50 | Up to $584.50 | Up to $389.50 |
| Permanent crown | Up to $625 | Up to $615 | Up to $410 |
| Complete denture | Up to $418.50 | Up to $408.50 | Up to $272.50 |
Note: The subsidy amounts shown are the maximum claimable per treatment. Actual subsidies may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. At Trust Dental Surgery, scaling and polishing starts from $85 (before GST), so a CHAS Blue cardholder could pay as little as $55 after the $30 subsidy.
What Dental Treatments Does CHAS Cover?
CHAS subsidies apply to a range of essential dental treatments. Here is what is covered:
- Scaling and polishing — Routine cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. Starts from $85 at Trust Dental (before GST).
- Simple fillings — Restoring teeth damaged by decay using composite or amalgam fillings.
- Tooth extractions — Both anterior (front) and posterior (back) tooth extractions are covered.
- Root canal treatment — Treatment for infected tooth pulp, covering anterior, pre-molar, and molar teeth. Root canal treatment starts from varying amounts depending on the tooth. Patients aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave ($200/year).
- Permanent crowns — Caps placed over damaged teeth to restore shape and function.
- Complete dentures — Full sets of removable false teeth for patients who have lost all their natural teeth.
What Is NOT Covered by CHAS?
It is important to understand the limitations of CHAS dental subsidies. The following treatments are not covered:
- Dental implants — However, the surgical component is Medisave claimable up to $1,950 per implant. At Trust Dental, implants start from $2,449 (just $499 after Medisave).
- Cosmetic procedures — Teeth whitening, veneers, and other aesthetic treatments.
- Orthodontics — Braces and Invisalign are not subsidised under CHAS. At Trust Dental, Invisalign starts from $2,400 and metal braces from $180/month.
- Gum surgery — While gum treatment consultations may be partially covered, surgical gum procedures are not covered by CHAS. Gum surgery starts from $500 at Trust Dental (before GST) and is Medisave claimable.
- Wisdom tooth surgery — Surgical extractions are not covered under CHAS, but they are 100% Medisave claimable up to $1,250 per tooth.
How to Apply for a CHAS Card
Applying for a CHAS card is straightforward. Here are the steps:
- Check your eligibility — You must be a Singapore Citizen. Your household monthly income per person determines which tier you qualify for.
- Apply online — Visit the official CHAS website at chas.sg and log in with your SingPass. Fill in the application form with your household income details.
- Submit supporting documents — You may need to provide proof of income for all working household members.
- Receive your card — Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Your CHAS card will be mailed to your registered address.
- Alternatively — You can apply in person at any Community Centre or Community Club.
Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cardholders are automatically enrolled and do not need to apply separately.
How to Use CHAS at Trust Dental Surgery
Using your CHAS card at Trust Dental Surgery is simple:
- Bring your CHAS card and NRIC to your appointment.
- Present them at reception before your treatment begins.
- The subsidy is applied automatically — you only pay the balance after the CHAS subsidy has been deducted.
- No separate claim needed — the clinic handles the subsidy processing directly with the government.
Both our Jurong West and Clementi clinics are CHAS-accredited. Our front desk staff are happy to help you understand your subsidies and plan your treatments to maximise your benefits.