Tzu Chi Community Dental Centre

Safeguarding Health and Alleviating Suffering from Illness

Physicians are not just healers; they are also educators, guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals to care for their physical and mental well-being."

Though small in size, it has all the essentials. The Tzu Chi Community Dental Centre (CDC), located in Ang Mo Kio, spans just 130 square metres but is equipped with three oral procedure chairs and a 3D panoramic dental X-ray machine. Besides providing outpatient care, the centre also offers its dental services to patients at their homes, which is rare in the market, as well as to residents in nursing homes.

Oral health is a significant issue for many elderly individuals, particularly retirees or those from low-income households, for whom rising dental consultation costs pose a heavy financial burden. In line with Tzu Chi’s medical mission to provide accessible healthcare services, the CDC focuses on offering outpatient services to low-income elderly residents.

Patients with mobility challenges are another underserved group who face limited access to dental care. In fact, the time and effort required for a dental team to visit patients who are homebound or in nursing homes are several times greater than when they treat typical patients, as it involves packing, transporting, and assembling specialised equipment.

To address this need, the CDC has equipped itself with portable dental kits to facilitate home dental services. For nursing home visits, Tzu Chi has established long-term partnerships with several intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) institutions. These collaborations benefit bedridden patients and also help educate nursing staff on the need to raise oral health awareness.

In 2004, Tzu Chi established the Tzu Chi Free Clinic in Chinatown, becoming the first local General Practitioner (GP) clinic to offer free dental treatments to the less fortunate. In 2008, the clinic was relocated to Redhill, where it provided a range of medical services to residents living in Singapore’s southern region for 16 years. Following the closure of the Tzu Chi Free Clinic, the dentistry wing was relocated in October 2024 to the CDC’s current premises in Ang Mo Kio.

In 1999, a group of medical professionals passionate about giving back to society founded the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA) of Singapore. This organisation comprises medical professionals from various fields, including dentists, dental assistants as well as volunteers who serve at the clinic and have experience conducting home care visits. Since 2004, the TIMA dental team has stayed committed to addressing the needs of underprivileged patients. The members provide free annual dental check-ups and treatments for students from the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS).

In 2014, Tzu Chi signed its first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ren Ci Hospital to provide free oral care to residents with mobility impairments. This partnership marked the beginning of a broader effort, with a 40-member home dental services team extending its reach to various organisations. Nine years later, the team was nominated by Ren Ci Hospital for the Singapore Patient Support Group / Volunteer Group Award at the ninth Singapore Patient Action Awards. The team was recognised for dedicating more than 7,400 hours at Ren Ci Hospital and serving over 600 patients over a nine-year period. 

With full support from grassroots organisations in Yio Chu Kang, the dentistry wing has successfully relocated and now operates in a purpose-built space. The TIMA dental team, comprising full-time dentists as well as dental assistants, will continue to safeguard the oral health of underprivileged individuals across the island, upholding their unwavering commitment to care.

Three Main Dental Services

Clinical dental services for the underprivileged

Outpatient Dental Services

Eligible Individuals

• Pioneer Generation seniors holding the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) Blue cards
• Merdeka Generation seniors holding the CHAS Blue cards

Types of Services

Basic dental services：

• Dental examinations and consultations
• Dental scaling and polishing to remove plaque and tartar
• Simple fillings for small cavities
• Simple extractions for teeth that are easy to remove
• Basic dentures to replace missing teeth

Dental 3D panoramic X-rays：

• Tooth decays (cavities that are not visible on the surface)
• Dental bone loss due to gum disease
• Impacted teeth or infections in the roots of teeth or surrounding bones

Preventive oral care：

• Oral hygiene education to promote proper brushing and flossing habits
• Fluoride treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay
• Regular check-ups to monitor oral health and detect issues early

Note: More complex cases will be referred to other dental clinics

How to Apply for Assistance?

• Visit our clinic or call us for enquiries. Please ensure that the application form is completed and all necessary documents are attached.
• Social workers of nursing homes and social welfare organisations may refer cases to us by phone or email.

Home Dental Services

Eligible Individuals

Patients with mobility impairments  

Types of Services

Basic treatments: Fillings, crowning, tooth extractions, minor dental surgeries, dentures (partial or full)

Preventive treatments: Fluoride treatments, scaling and polishing, oral hygiene guidance, patient education, dietary advice and provision of mouth guards

How to Apply for Assistance?

• Visit our clinic or call us for information
• Get a referral from a GP Clinic
• Get a referral from a nursing home or social welfare organisation

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