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