Many seniors in Singapore’s care homes have not seen a dentist in years. A new mobile clinic from NDCS is bringing oral health back to where it is needed most – right at their doorstep.
Many of Singapore’s most vulnerable seniors have not seen a dentist in years – not by choice, but because getting to one can be highly difficult. Today, that changes.
The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has officially launched its first Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC), a fully equipped dental unit on wheels that brings essential oral healthcare directly into intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) facilities. It aims to eliminate barriers to mobility, access, and affordability that often stop seniors from getting the dental care they need.
Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for Health and Digital Development and Information, attended the launch event held at Bright Hill Evergreen Home.
The Oral Health Gap in Elder Care
According to the 2019 National Adult Oral Health Survey, 12.5% of citizens aged 65 and above are completely toothless, whilst 64% have no functional dentition. Among seniors, 31% have untreated dental caries; 55% of seniors have moderate periodontitis, while 33.8% have severe periodontitis.
The situation is particularly acute in nursing homes. Findings from NDCS’ Tele-Dentistry Oral Care for Seniors (T-DOCS) programme which screened 210 participants across five nursing homes revealed that 84% of residents have fewer than 20 teeth remaining and 38% have complete tooth loss.
“These findings underscore the significant oral health challenges faced by elderly in intermediate and long-term care facilities, highlighting the urgent need for support in these settings,” said Clinical Associate Professor Lui Jeen Nee, Deputy CEO, Clinical and Regional Health, NDCS.
NDCS Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) – What’s So Special?
Services provided
Unlike many mobile setups that focus only on check-ups, the NDCS Mobile Dental Clinic delivers a full range of dental services on-site, including:
- Fluoride and silver diamine fluoride therapy
- Atraumatic restorative treatment (manual cavity removal and filling)
- Scaling and polishing
- Simple extractions
- Dental X-rays
The concept for the Mobile Dental Clinic emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the need to improve oral care access for underserved groups. It eliminates traditional barriers to oral health treatment by bringing essential dental services directly to those who struggle to access care.
Smiles For The Underserved
At the launch event, residents were all smiles. In the last few days, a few of them had the opportunity to experience the Mobile Dental Clinic services, and the early feedback was both heartwarming and hopeful.
“It is very convenient,” shared Mr Ang, who had his teeth cleaned just two days ago. “I also got a follow up appointment for my next review. It was not painful to have my teeth cleaned.”
For seniors who often face logistical hurdles just to get to a dental clinic – transportation, caregiver accompaniment, and long waiting times – having the dentist come to them was a welcome relief.
Another resident shared, “I do go for my teeth cleaning annually outside myself, but this makes it really convenient for me.”
The convenience factor cannot be overstated. The Mobile Dental Clinic removes one of the biggest barriers to preventive care: access.
“The Mobile Dental Clinic brings essential screening and dental services directly to our doorstep, helping residents maintain proper nutrition and social confidence, which are fundamental for ageing well.” said Ms Cheng Siok Khoong, CEO, Bright Hill Evergreen Home.
Public-Private Partnership with LION Corporation Singapore
LION Corporation Singapore made the initiative possible with a $2.05 million sponsorship, sharing NDCS’ vision for enhanced community oral healthcare.
LION Corporation brings 130 years of heritage and health expertise from Japan. Its roots connect to the birthplace of the 8020 Movement, which inspired NDCS’ own Oral Health Movement 8020.
“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with NDCS through the Mobile Dental Clinic initiative with our key oral healthcare brand – Systema.” said Ms Ng Soo Khim, Managing Director, LION Corporation Singapore.
“We believe oral healthcare is the foundation of vitality. Therefore, it is important to have good oral hygiene habits to maintain our natural teeth for better health and quality of life.”
Looking Forward
NDCS aims to screen 1,900 seniors across 10 nursing homes by 2028. Future plans include expanding services to individuals with special healthcare needs. NDCS also aims to deepen collaboration with ILTC partners and community clinics for continued care.
With LION’s support, NDCS and the Mobile Dental Clinic aim to deliver continuous oral care to vulnerable groups. This is a shift moving beyond one-time treatments to sustainable ongoing care.
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