A report from the Straits Times reveals that Singapore is having to hire dentists from foreign countries and dentists who are Singaporean but trained overseas. The sharp increase in the need for dental care is partially due to the rapid growth of the Singapore population. A large portion of the population is also ageing, which involves deterioration of teeth and requires additional dental care.

Dental Needs of a Growing, Ageing Population

Singapore’s population is ageing quickly. Associated Professor Patrick Tseng, the chief dental officer for Singapore, says, “With an ageing population, demand for dental services is not only increasing but also changing due to the more complex dental needs of geriatric patients.” Older patients may require gum grafting, fillings, and replacement of lost teeth.

Along with the dental needs of the elderly, there are the needs of Singapore’s children, who require cleanings, fillings, and corrective orthodontics like Invisalign in Singapore. Adults need cleanings and fillings as well, along with the occasional smile makeover. As the population grows and ages, the stress on the health care system increases. According to a spokesman for the Ministry of Health, the demands are only going to increase over the next several years.

Fewer Locally Trained Singapore Dentists

Unfortunately, there are not enough locally trained Singapore dentists to handle all the demands for care. In the past few years, less than half of the new dentists registered in Singapore each year have been locally trained. In fact, 75% of the new dentists that registered in Singapore had been trained in other countries. Twenty-five percent had graduated from Singapore training programs. That’s 141 new foreign-trained dentists and 46 local graduates.

The MOH Reaction

The Ministry of Health (MOH) recognises the need for more Singapore dentists who trained within the country. Currently, it is boosting the number of students that the National University of Singapore allows into the dental program each year. In 2016, the faculty of dentistry at the university accepted 54 young would-be dentists, a significant leap from the 48 students taken in 2010.

With help from the MOH, the university dental program will gradually increase its intake numbers until it can handle 80 undergraduates annually. A significant asset in this effort is the new National University Centre for Oral Health, a building that should be ready for action in 2020.

The Ratio of Dentists to Patients

Thanks to new programs and more awareness of local needs, the number of Singapore dentists has increased by 40 percent between 2010 and 2016. However, the ratio of dentists to patients is 1 to 2,550 people. The Ministry aims for a ratio of at least 1 dentist to 2,200 people.

Source: The Straits Times, February 11, 2017