Being a teenager means life is constantly changing – new habits, new diet, new attitudes. It’s an exciting time, but it’s also when your teenager is more prone than ever to dental decay.
 
The Youth Preventive Dental Service for Secondary school pupils is a great way to ensure your teen’s teeth stay cavity-free. With free dental check-ups in Secondary 1 and 3 and basic dental treatment performed right at their secondary school dental clinics/ mobile dental clinics, it’s a hassle-free way of making sure they see the dentist.
 
If your child isn’t in Secondary 1 or Secondary 3, they can still receive dental treatment upon request. As a parent, all you need to do is sign the consent forms to enrol your child in this programme. Once consent is given, it is valid from Secondary 1 to Secondary 4/5.
 
Besides static dental clinics located within a few secondary schools, the Youth Preventive Dental Service also sends out mobile dental clinics to secondary schools that are not equipped with a dental clinic.
 

What does the Youth Preventive Dental Service do?

 
a.    Preventive services aimed at preventing dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease include:
  • Scheduled check-ups
  • Provision of fissure sealants to prevent tooth decay
  • Advice on oral hygiene and diet
  • Oral health education activities to promote oral health awareness and oral hygiene practices through chairside oral health education and classroom talks
b.    Curative services aimed at treating dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease include:
  • Scaling and polishing
  • Fillings
  • Extractions
  • Root canal treatment of teeth

Referral services

 
If your teen requires more complex work like X-rays, extraction of permanent teeth, dentures, or root canal treatment for single-rooted permanent teeth, they may be referred to a Zonal Centre or to the Student Dental Centre located at the Health Promotion Board.
 
Pupils may also be referred to tertiary institutions for specialist care.
 

What are the charges?

 
Your teen’s dental treatment is free at the school dental clinics and mobile dental clinics.
 
If they require more complex work, your child may be referred to the Student Dental Centre where fees may apply. 
 
All referrals to tertiary institutions are chargeable, according to the type of treatment provided.
 

Operating hours

 
School dental clinics / Mobile dental clinics
 
During the school term, the school dental clinic / mobile dental clinic is open from
  • 8 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday)
  • 8 am to 5.00 pm (Friday)
  • Lunch break varies with each clinic
Some school dental clinics operate on a part-time basis due to a small school population. You may wish to check with the school dental clinic on its opening days and hours before attending.
 
During the school holiday(s), certain school dental clinics remain open to attend to urgent cases.  In the event of a dental emergency, if your school dental clinic is closed, contact details of neighbouring school dental clinics are available from the school general office.
 
If your teen requires emergency treatment after the mobile dental clinic has left the school, they may seek treatment at the same mobile dental clinic that has been relocated to another school. The telephone number of the mobile dental clinic may be obtained from the school office.
 
Student Dental Centre
 
The Student Dental Centre is located at :
 
Level 4, Health Promotion Board
3 Second Hospital Avenue
Singapore 168937
Email: contact_YPS@hpb.gov.sg

The Student Dental Centre is open from
  • 8.00 am to 5.30 pm (Monday to Thursday)
  • 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (Friday)
  • 8.00 am to 12.30 pm (Saturday)
 
On the day of the appointment, you will need to bring your teen’s documents for verification and registration:
  • Birth certificate/NRIC (for Singaporeans) OR
  • Passport/entry permit (for permanent residents and foreigners)

Visit Parent Hub, for more useful tips and guides to give your child a healthy start.