CALL it a gap that needs to be fixed.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is reviewing whether to increase the subsidy for dentures, especially for the elderly who need them after losing their teeth but may not be able to afford the cost.
This was revealed by its chief dental officer, Associate Professor Patrick Tseng, yesterday on the sidelines of an event to launch dental products maker Oral-B's Healthier Teeth, Healthier Singapore campaign.
Currently, dentures are subsidised at polyclinics, with patients paying 50 per cent of the fee - like all other dental procedures eligible for subsidy. Denture treatment is also subsidised under the Primary Care Partnership Scheme for the needy elderly.
'Even at current subsidy levels, some people in the lower-income bracket may not be able to afford dentures,' noted Prof Tseng.
One full set can cost about $600.
-- ST
Dentures are super expensive, should subsidise.
Especially for the elderly, i pity those who have no teeth and no money to make denture, it's about time they increase the subsidy as i know some dentures cost more than $600