At WeSmile Dental, we believe it’s important for patients to understand how Medisave can be applied to dental care in Singapore. Medisave can be used for surgical and medically necessary treatments such as wisdom tooth surgery, implant placement, or oral biopsies. However, it cannot be applied to routine or cosmetic dentistry, including fillings, braces, whitening, or veneers.
This guide explains how Medisave for dental works, which procedures qualify, the claim limits you can expect, and how our team helps you maximise your benefits with confidence and ease.
What Is Medisave?
Medisave is part of Singapore’s CPF system, where a portion of income is set aside to help pay for healthcare. It reduces out-of-pocket expenses for approved hospitalisations, day surgeries, and certain outpatient procedures.
Medisave for Dental Services: What You Need to Know
When it comes to using Medisave for dental treatments in Singapore, there are a few essentials every patient should know:
- ✅ What’s covered: Surgical and medically necessary dental procedures, such as wisdom tooth surgery, implant placement, biopsies, and jaw surgery.
- ❌ What’s not covered: Routine treatments (e.g. scaling, fillings, root canals) and cosmetic care (e.g. braces, veneers, whitening).
- 💳 Claim limits: Set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) under the Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP), with amounts depending on complexity.
Which Dental Procedures Are Covered by Medisave?
Only surgical dental procedures are Medisave-claimable. These involve cutting of gum or bone, or are performed under anaesthesia.
Here is an overview of common dental treatments and if you can use Medisave:
| Type of Dental Procedure | Medisave Claimable? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom tooth surgery | ✅ Yes | Claimable if surgical (e.g. impacted tooth, bone removal). |
| Dental implant surgery | ✅ Yes | Covered for implant fixture placement; prosthetic crown excluded. |
| Bone graft surgery | ✅ Yes | Claimable if required for implants. |
| Biopsy of oral lesion | ✅ Yes | If medically necessary. |
| Cyst or tumour removal | ✅ Yes | Claimable when surgically removed. |
| Jaw surgery (orthognathic) | ✅ Yes | Covered if for functional/medical purposes. |
| Routine tooth extraction | ❌ No | Unless surgery is needed. |
| Scaling & polishing | ❌ No | Preventive care. |
| Fillings, crowns, veneers, dentures | ❌ No | Restorative or cosmetic. |
| Braces or Invisalign | ❌ No | Orthodontic, cosmetic. |
| Teeth whitening | ❌ No | Cosmetic. |
Other Important Medisave for Dental Coverage Details
Not every dental procedure qualifies for Medisave, and even within surgery, some cases are claimable while others are not. Coverage depends on whether the treatment is classified as medically necessary and coded under MOH’s Table of Surgical Procedures (TOSP).
Below are the most common situations where Medisave may apply — and when it does not.
Can I Use MediSave for Wisdom Tooth Surgery?
Yes. Wisdom tooth surgery is frequently MediSave-claimable — but only if it’s surgical, not for routine extractions.
- Claimable: Impacted teeth requiring surgical removal, involving cutting gum or bone, or anaesthesia.
- Not claimable: Simple, non-surgical extractions.
- Coverage cap:
- Per tooth: up to $240–$1,920 for general cases; up to $7,550 for complex or hospital-based scenarios.
- Multiple teeth (2–3 in one session): up to $2,150.
- Day surgery ward charges: up to $830 per day.
💡 This is a good example of how some procedures are covered under MediSave while others in the same category are not.
Can I Use MediSave for Dental Implants?
Yes—but only the surgical portion (implant fixture placement) is eligible, not the prosthetic attachments like crowns or dentures.
- Claimable: Surgical insertion of the implant fixture.
- Not claimable: Implant crowns, bridges, or dentures.
- Coverage cap: Up to $1,950 per implant procedure, including both surgical and ward components (e.g., $1,120 + $830 in some illustrations).
💡 Patients often assume the whole implant procedure is covered, but only the surgical step qualifies for MediSave.
How Much Can I Claim from Medisave for Dental Treatments?
The claimable amount depends on the complexity of the surgery. Some simpler procedures fall into lower claim limits, while complex cases are allowed higher withdrawal amounts.
| Procedure | Approx. Claimable Amount |
|---|---|
| Simple wisdom tooth surgery | $250 – $350 |
| Complex wisdom tooth surgery | $600 – $950 |
| Dental implant surgery (per implant) | $950 – $1,250 |
| Biopsy / cyst removal | $350 – $700 |
| Jaw surgery (orthognathic) | $1,250 or more |
This way, patients clearly see that Medisave is not an “all-or-nothing” scheme — eligibility and claimable amounts depend on the case and procedure type.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Medisave for Dental Treatment
At WeSmile Dental, we make the Medisave claim process clear and hassle-free. Here’s what to expect:
- Assessment & diagnosis – Our dentist examines your condition, takes any necessary X-rays or scans, and determines whether surgery is required.
- Transparent cost explanation – We provide a clear breakdown of your treatment plan, highlighting which parts are Medisave-claimable and which are not.
- Pre-authorisation (if required) – For certain procedures, we help secure approval from the relevant authorities before treatment begins.
- Treatment & care – The procedure is carried out with your comfort and safety in mind, using appropriate anaesthesia or sedation if necessary.
- Medisave claim submission – Our team prepares and submits the necessary documentation, ensuring the Medisave amount is deducted directly from your account, so you pay only the remaining balance (if any).
By handling both the treatment and administrative process, we ensure you can focus fully on your recovery without worrying about paperwork.
Can I Use Medisave for My Family?
Yes. Medisave savings are not limited to your own treatment — they can also be used to pay for approved dental surgeries for your spouse, children, or parents. This flexibility makes it easier for families to manage costs together, especially for common procedures such as wisdom tooth surgery for teenagers or dental implants for elderly parents.
At WeSmile Dental, we guide you through the process and ensure that all claims are made correctly, whether you are using your own Medisave or tapping into it for an immediate family member.
Taking the Next Step: Using Medisave for Dental Services
Using Medisave for dental in Singapore is possible, but it applies only to surgical and medically necessary procedures such as wisdom tooth removal, implant placement, oral biopsies, and other treatments that involve surgery.
At WeSmile Dental, we provide clear guidance on what is claimable, handle the paperwork for you, and ensure you make the most of your Medisave benefits while focusing on your oral health.
👉 Book your consultation with WeSmile Dental today to explore your treatment options and confirm your Medisave eligibility.
FAQs About Medisave and Dental Services
1. Can I use Medisave for dental check-ups?
No. Preventive care such as scaling and polishing is not Medisave-claimable. However, at WeSmile Dental, we keep our check-up and cleaning fees affordable. Patients may also benefit from direct billing with selected insurers or CHAS subsidies. See our pricing page for details.
2. Can I use Medisave for Dental braces or Clear Aligners?
No. Orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign are considered cosmetic and are not covered under Medisave. That said, WeSmile offers flexible payment plans, direct insurance billing, and CHAS support, ensuring orthodontic care remains accessible. Visit our pricing page for full details.
3. Can I use Medisave for multiple dental procedures at once?
Yes. If more than one surgical dental procedure is performed during the same visit, you may make claims for each procedure, subject to MOH claim limits. Your dentist will advise you on the eligible claim breakdown.
4. Can I use Medisave for dental veneers or teeth whitening?
No. Both veneers and whitening are considered cosmetic procedures and are not Medisave-claimable. At WeSmile, we ensure transparent pricing and provide affordable options for cosmetic dentistry, with direct insurance billing and CHAS support available where applicable. See our pricing page.
5. Can I use Medisave for dentures, crowns, or bridges?
No. These restorative and prosthetic treatments are not covered under Medisave. Even so, at WeSmile Dental, we strive to keep such essential treatments accessible through reasonable pricing, CHAS subsidies, and direct insurance billing. You can view our transparent pricing guide here.
6. Can I use Medisave for root canal treatment?
No. Root canal therapy is a restorative procedure, not surgical, and therefore not Medisave-claimable. Still, we provide insurance billing options, CHAS coverage, and affordable fees to keep treatments accessible. See our pricing page.
7. Can I use Medisave for dental emergencies?
Yes. Medisave can be used if the emergency requires a surgical procedure, such as surgical removal of a fractured tooth or repairing severe dental trauma. For non-surgical emergencies, Medisave does not apply, but patients can use insurance or CHAS subsidies where eligible.
8. How do I confirm if my dental treatment qualifies for Medisave usage?
Your dentist will assess your condition during examination and advise if the procedure qualifies. At WeSmile Dental, we explain eligibility clearly and help you process claims directly.
9. Can I combine Medisave with cash or insurance for my dental bill?
Yes. You can use Medisave together with cash payments and private insurance (where applicable). At WeSmile Dental, we also offer direct billing to selected insurers for added convenience.
10. Do I need to pay first before Medisave is deducted for dental treatments?
No. At WeSmile Dental, we handle the claim submission for you. The Medisave portion is deducted upfront, and you only pay the remaining balance, if any.
