Profile: Singapore’s Dental Services and Market

From the use of state-of-the-art machinery to teledentistry to AI-assisted 3D reports, the dental services sector in Singapore has undergone enormous technological improvements over the last 5 years. This technological advancement has led to improvements in the preventive care process, providing patients with better quality care.

The Singapore Dental Services Market is highly competitive, offering top-notch quality services at competitive prices. This makes it comparable to Western European or North American countries, which charge significantly more for similar services. However, Singapore’s Dental Services expenditures are higher than those of nearby Asian nations, such as India or Thailand, due to the better quality of services.

Government Support an Industry Boon

Promising Government Initiatives have also contributed to the growth of the Singapore Dental Services Market. The government has increased expenditure to further subsidize healthcare, making it accessible to all Singaporeans, regardless of income. For example, Singapore’s local citizens stand to benefit from government-subsidised dental services of up to S$190 (US$142) for a single dental service.

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), a healthcare initiative that provides subsidies for medical and dental care to all Singaporean citizens was enhanced in 2019 with a new tier that extends coverage to all Singaporeans for chronic conditions, and MediShield Life premiums are subsidized by the government on the basis of income.

Participating clinics, including General Practitioner (GP) and dental clinics, offer CHAS subsidies for treatment of chronic conditions. In addition, patients can use their MediSave (a national medical savings scheme) accounts to further defray the cost of treatments covered by CHAS.

As a direct or indirect result, the dental services market in Singapore is booming. Although Q&M Dental Group is known as the sole market leader, competition is increasing due to the rising number of small and private dental clinics.

The market is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to the rising dental problems and high insurance coverage across the country. The rising dental consciousness among the Singapore population and growing purchasing power is also expected to contribute to the market growth in the coming years.

Market Segmentation

The dental services market is segmented by the types of services, end users, dental clinics, revenue division, and cities. Endodontics dental services have dominated the market, contributing the majority of the share.¹

Dental clinics contributed more to the market compared to hospitals, with unorganized dental clinics dominating the market.¹ The majority of the dental services market share is dominated by domestic services in comparison to international dental services for tourists. Serangoon is the major contributor to this segment, registering a larger market share than the rest of the cities.¹

Competition Landscape

The dental services market in Singapore is highly fragmented, with Q&M Dental Group as the sole market leader. Other players in the market include Royce Dental Surgery, Advanced Dental Company, NTUC Health Denticare, Family Dental Centre, Nuffield Dental, and more.

These companies compete based on the number of dentists, number of dental chairs, average ticket size, peak hours, booking mode, and major treatments offered.

Q&M Dental Group: Sole Market Leader

Q&M Dental Group (Singapore) Limited (“Q&M Dental”) is a private dental healthcare group that operates the largest network of private dental outlets in Singapore, with 106 dental outlets across the country.

The Group also operates 45 dental clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company in Malaysia, and a dental clinic in China. Additionally, the Group owns 5 medical clinics and a dental supplies and equipment distribution company.

The dental services market is segmented by the types of services, end users, dental clinics, revenue division, and cities. Endodontics dental services have dominated the market, contributing the majority of the share.

Q&M posted highest growth on record

The Group reported its highest-ever revenue and profit after tax for the financial year ended December 31, 2021, at S$205.6 million and S$39.4 million, respectively. The figures represent a 49% increase in revenue and 98% increase in profit after tax.²

Revenue from medical laboratory and dental equipment & supplies segment jumped by 304% to S$45.4 million.² The Group’s EBITDA for FY2021 correspondingly increased by 68% to S$63.3 million.²

Acumen Diagnostics, a 51% owned subsidiary of Q&M Dental, won a Singapore Ministry of Health (“MOH”) tender for the operation of one of the Joint Testing and Vaccination Centers (JTVC).³

The operation of JTVCs by the private medical sector is part of the Government’s policy and efforts to provide the public with efficient and convenient access to COVID-19 booster shot vaccination. The 15-month contract, valued at least S$3.6 million, commenced on 1 October 2022 and ends on 31 December 2023, with actual operations starting from 21 November 2022.³

The Group’s focus on dental and medical clinics segments is expected to drive growth in the near term.

Singapore’s Leading Dental Institutions

There are two leading dental institutions in Singapore that provide top-quality, accessible, and integrated oral healthcare services to the population across different life stages.

These centres play a pivotal role in educating generations of oral health professionals, conducting cutting-edge research, and advancing the use of technology to enhance patient care and experience.

National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS)

Located within Singapore General Hospital (SGH) campus, NDCS is Singapore’s flagship specialty centre that offers multi-disciplinary and integrated oral healthcare services. Its strategic location allows for better coordination with different medical specialties, ensuring seamless and quality patient care.

The centre provides a broad range of services, including special care dentistry for elderly and special needs patients.

In addition to its clinical services, NDCS has a strong research arm, the National Dental Research Institute Singapore (NDRIS), which focuses on translating research discoveries into novel and effective therapies for the improvement of oral and general health in Singapore and beyond.

NDCS has also embarked on a future digital patient journey, leveraging innovative technology to enhance patient care and experience. Its plans include the use of teledentistry, 3D technology, and new imaging tools, with further integration of technology into its care journey as it moves into its new building in 2027.

National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore (NUCOHS)

NUCOHS (Pictured: NUCOHS Building in Feature Image) is a national specialty centre that synergises clinical services, education, and research facilities under one roof.

Housed within the same facility as the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Faculty of Dentistry, NUCOHS is well-poised to train and nurture the next generation of oral healthcare professionals.

The centre provides quality and accessible public care to patients of all ages, including those with special needs and complex medical conditions.

NUCOHS’ strategic positioning allows it to perform impactful collaborative multi-disciplinary research in oral healthcare and population health.

The centre focuses on translational research in regenerative biology and tissue engineering, spearheading clinical trials, and conducting public health research to meet the future demands of oral health with an ageing population.

The centre combines the innovative use of educational technology with conventional and experiential methods of training and education.

Singapore’s Future-Oriented Oral Healthcare Investments

The future of dentistry looks promising for Singapore investors, with long-term trends driving demand for dental services and new technologies improving the quality of patient care. Investing in dental technology and services companies may provide investors with opportunities for growth and returns.

Meanwhile, the Singapore government has taken bold strides investing in the future of the country’s research and development facilities as well as next-generation projects heralding brand new innovations in the field of bio-technology and materials.

The following are stellar examples of Singapore’s forward thinking investments in the world of dentistry:

Faculty of Dentistry at NUS launches ORCHIDS research centre

The Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has launched ORCHIDS (Oral Care, Health Innovations and Designs Singapore), an autonomous research centre dedicated to the development of new concepts and technologies in dentistry with in-human applications.

ORCHIDS is led by a team of basic and clinician scientists and will focus on research programmes in the fields of microbiology, nanomaterials, regenerative medicine, 3D printing technologies, and health devices.

Director of ORCHIDS, Associate Professor Vinicius Rosa, noted that the Faculty is renowned for its high-quality research and publications in top-tier journals. With ORCHIDS, the Faculty aims to boost research programmes, catalyse impact, and enhance clinical translation potential.

ORCHIDS will focus on the development of innovative platforms that merge biology with computational power to improve oral and systemic health. The centre will use artificial intelligence to bioengineer symbiotic biofilms for the improvement of oral health, which will eventually impact systemic health.

ORCHIDS will also develop advanced nanomaterials, biochips, 3D- and 4D-printed technologies, and regenerative therapies for personalised care.

ORCHIDS aims to enable research capabilities for high-quality and impactful translational science in innovative fields, foster fruitful research collaborations, and provide a vibrant research environment with proactive mentorship and care for the development of future generations of clinician researchers and scholars.

The centre’s roadmap is poised to be a pillar of oral health-engineering collaboration on a global scale.

Leveraging its demonstrated track record of creating new concepts and innovative technologies, ORCHIDS aims to develop a forward-looking platform that will give a rapid boost to NUS and the National University Health System.

This will help to advance innovation of oral health in Singapore and strengthen the country’s positioning as the location of choice for the development of novel oral and personal care, biofabrication, and pharmaceutical therapies in Asia.

According to a 2017 study, seniors in Singapore have relatively poor oral health, of which 31% were found to be edentulous or using dentures, and 38% had fewer than 20 natural teeth.

Development of Next Generation Implants that Accelerate Bone Regeneration

The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has been awarded an $18.3 million research grant and industry funding to participate in the development of a next generation of jaw implants that enhance and accelerate bone regeneration.⁴

The project is a collaborative effort between the NDCS, A*STAR research institutes, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), and local medical technology company, Osteopore International.

The project aims to develop a combination product with patented biological additives to promote rapid bone growth and reduce complex bone collection processes, simplifying the dental surgery process. The development of this implant will use a less invasive and novel technique, reducing operation time and aiding patients’ faster recovery.

According to an announcement from Osteopore International, the global market value of dental bone transplants and dental membranes is estimated to be worth approximately S$12.3 billion.³ The results of this study are expected to improve the next generation of 3D printed jaw implants that promote functional bone regeneration in the jawbone area, leading to better oral function and quality of life.

Osteopore International was founded in 2003 and mainly produces 3D printed skeletal stents that can be degraded by the human body. It replaces traditional metal stents, reducing postoperative risks and shortening treatment time. As the bone grows, the scaffold dissolves into oxygen and carbon dioxide and disappears, leaving only the patient’s regenerated bone.

The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) and Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) will study biological stimulants to promote bone healing and develop customised manufacturing technologies for the production of regenerative scaffolds, respectively. The National Dental Centre Singapore will support the clinical application of this innovative regenerative technology.

Asia’s superaging challenges in dental care

Tele-Dentistry Oral Care for Seniors

Singapore’s National Dental Centre and Temasek Foundation are piloting the Tele-Dentistry Oral Care for Seniors (T-DOCS) program, which uses artificial intelligence to detect tooth decay, gum disease and abnormalities in the oral cavity.⁵

The program targets vulnerable seniors who are either homebound or in nursing homes with mobility challenges. The T-DOCS program is the first of its kind in Singapore, with Temasek Foundation committing $1.23 million over three years to the program. ⁵ The goal is to improve the oral care of seniors in the community through early detection and regular monitoring.

According to a 2017 study, seniors in Singapore have relatively poor oral health, of which 31% were found to be edentulous or using dentures, and 38% had fewer than 20 natural teeth. ⁵ T-DOCS aims to provide regular screening and monitoring of the seniors’ oral health, enabling early detection of oral diseases, and filling a crucial gap in preventive oral care for Singapore’s vulnerable seniors. ⁵

The T-DOCS program involves first examining participating seniors by a dentist, followed by regular screening and monitoring every six months by trained St. Andrew’s Community Hospital or Vanguard Healthcare staff.

How T-DOCS Works

The T-DOCS program involves first examining participating seniors by a dentist, followed by regular screening and monitoring every six months by trained St. Andrew’s Community Hospital or Vanguard Healthcare staff.

They use an intra-oral camera with fluorescence technology that can detect early signs of tooth decay and gum inflammation and differentiate between existing and newly formed dental plaque.

The intra-oral scans, along with the patients’ medical information, are then uploaded to an electronic system from which NDCS dentists retrieve the patients’ records for remote assessment. The findings and recommended treatment plan are then relayed back to SACH and Vanguard Healthcare staff for follow-up with participating seniors and their families. ⁵ This includes oral hygiene education and necessary referrals for dental treatment.

Role of Artificial Intelligence

The electronically captured images serve as a repository of oral health information which can be aggregated and analysed with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) software being developed by the pilot program.

The AI software automates the interpretation of the images and alerts the remote dentist to problematic areas, reducing the time taken to examine and interpret the images. It can also provide the home care nurse with a visual prompt on the areas that require greater attention.

The T-DOCS program represents a new model of care that provides timely oral care to seniors, convenience to caregivers and partners, and optimizes resources for better community care. By using artificial intelligence to detect oral diseases early, the program aims to improve the oral health of Singapore’s vulnerable seniors, who are either homebound or in nursing homes with mobility challenges.

In Summary

In recent years, Singapore’s dental sector has undergone a technological metamorphosis of sorts, leading to a vast improvement in the quality of preventive care that patients can now receive.

This newfound success has been propelled by a fiercely competitive Singapore Dental Services Market, where patients can expect to receive top-notch care that can rival even the most sophisticated dental services found in North America or Western Europe.

This evolution of dental services in Singapore can be largely attributed to the visionary initiatives implemented by the government. These initiatives have ushered in a period of exponential growth in the Singapore Dental Services Market. Industry experts anticipate that this trend will persist, driven by the high level of insurance coverage and mounting dental concerns in the country.

There is a growing awareness among Singaporeans of the importance of dental health, coupled with an increase in disposable income. Both of these factors have led to a newfound focus on oral health, further driving the demand for dental services.

The National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) and the Faculty of Dentistry at the National University of Singapore are two institutions at the forefront of this movement, providing world-class oral healthcare services to patients across all stages of life.

This evolution of dental services in Singapore can be largely attributed to the visionary initiatives implemented by the government. These initiatives have ushered in a period of exponential growth in the Singapore Dental Services Market. Industry experts anticipate that this trend will persist, driven by the high level of insurance coverage and mounting dental concerns in the country.

Investors looking to sink their teeth into a promising sector should take note of Singapore’s investment in the future of dentistry. The demand for dental services is being driven by long-term trends, and advancements in new technologies are improving patient care.

The Singaporean government has made substantial investments in the country’s research and development facilities and next-generation projects. These efforts have led to the establishment of the ORCHIDS research center, which focuses on research programs in microbiology, nanomaterials, regenerative medicine, 3D printing technologies, and health devices.

By developing a forward-looking platform, the National University of Singapore (NUS) aims to bolster innovation in oral health and strengthen Singapore’s position as the location of choice for novel oral and personal care, biofabrication, and pharmaceutical therapies in Asia.

In addition to the ORCHIDS research center, several other institutions in Singapore have received funding to participate in the development of next-generation jaw implants that accelerate bone regeneration. The National Dental Centre, A*STAR research institutes, the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), and Osteopore International are among the organizations that have received research grants and industry funding.

Finally, Singapore’s National Dental Centre and Temasek Foundation are spearheading a pilot program called Tele-Dentistry Oral Care for Seniors (T-DOCS). This program uses artificial intelligence to detect tooth decay, gum disease, and abnormalities in the oral cavity. T-DOCS targets vulnerable seniors who are either homebound or in nursing homes with mobility challenges.

By providing regular screening and monitoring of the seniors’ oral health, this program aims to improve oral care for seniors in the community through early detection and regular monitoring, filling a crucial gap in preventive oral care for Singapore’s vulnerable seniors.

References

1. Preet, A. and Geeta, A. (2022) Singapore Dental Services Market, Ken Research. Available at: https://www.kenresearch.com/blog/2022/10/singapore-dental-services-market/.
2. Q&M dental records historic highest-ever revenue and Profit (2022) Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. Available at: https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/2022-02-23/q-m-dental-records-historic-highest-ever-revenue-and-profit.
3. Deep Dive into this Singapore’s Largest Private Dental Healthcare Group with Potential Upside of nearly 50% (2022). Available at: https://www.investor-one.com/editorial/22095-Deep-Dive-into-this-Singapores-Largest-Private-Dental-Healthcare-Group-with-Potential-Upside-of-nearly-50.
4. National Dental Centre Singapore receives $18.3M in funding to collaborate in development of a next generation implant to accelerate bone regeneration (no date) Home – National Dental Centre of Singapore. Available at: https://www.ndcs.com.sg/news/research/national-dental-centre-singapore-receives-183m-in-funding-to-collaborate-in-development-of-a-next-generation-implant-to-accelerate-bone-regeneration.
5. Pilot tele-dentistry programme incorporating artificial intelligence to provide homebound and nursing home seniors better access to Preventive Oral Care (no date) Home – National Dental Centre of Singapore. Available at: https://www.ndcs.com.sg/news/research/Pilot-tele-dentistry-programme-incorporating-artificial-intelligence-to-provide-homebound-and-nursing-home-seniors-better-a.