The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has launched its first Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC) to improve access to oral healthcare for vulnerable seniors in intermediate and long-term care facilities. The MDC removes barriers by bringing essential dental services directly to residents who face challenges in accessing care, and complements NDCS’ preventive oral health programmes in the community.
The official launch was held at Bright Hill Evergreen Home with the support of LION Corporation Singapore. The event was attended by Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State for the Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and the Ministry of Health.
According to the 2019 National Adult Oral Health Survey, 12.5% of citizens aged 65 and above are completely toothless, while 64% have no functional dentition. Among seniors, 31% have untreated dental caries, 55% have moderate periodontitis, and 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, showed that 84% of residents had fewer than 20 teeth and 38% had 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. “The Mobile Dental Clinic bridges this critical gap, reflecting our commitment to equitable oral care access and our dedication to strengthening Singapore’s broader healthcare system through proactive screening and prevention.”
The MDC is part of NDCS’ broader population oral health strategy. It complements initiatives such as the T-DOCS programme, the Oral Health Movement 8020 (OHM8020), which aims to help individuals maintain at least 20 teeth by age 80, and the Oral Health Education Programme (OHEP), which trains non-dental healthcare professionals to provide basic oral care in the community.
By 2028, the MDC aims to screen 1,900 seniors across 10 nursing homes. Services will include dental screening, atraumatic restorative treatment, fluoride therapy, scaling and polishing, simple fillings, tooth extraction, and x-rays. The clinic also plans to collaborate with community-based dental clinics to ensure continuity of care, with longer-term plans to expand services to individuals with special healthcare needs.
The concept for the MDC was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to improve oral care accessibility for underserved communities. It was made possible through a S$2.05 million sponsorship from LION Corporation Singapore, whose heritage includes Japan’s 8020 Movement that inspired NDCS’ OHM8020 programme.
“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with NDCS through the Mobile Dental Clinic initiative with our key oral healthcare brand Systema. This aligns with our longstanding dedication to promote good oral healthcare habits across all life stages and increase accessibility of dental treatment in the community,” 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.”
Ms Cheng Siok Khoong, CEO of Bright Hill Evergreen Home, added: “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.”
Through public-private partnerships and community programmes, NDCS aims to deliver sustainable oral healthcare to vulnerable populations, moving beyond one-time treatment towards ongoing preventive care.
Images: NDCS
