Q&M Free Dental Clinic Opens in Chai Chee to Provide Dental Care for Underprivileged Individuals

Singapore: Q&M Free Dental Clinic Limited, a registered charity under the Commission of Charities, has inaugurated its first Q&M Free Dental Clinic in Chai Chee. The clinic aims to deliver essential dental treatment to underprivileged individuals and families in need. It is specifically open to residents from rental blocks as well as those under government financial assistance.

The Q&M Free Dental Clinic, located at Block 26 Chai Chee Road, offers a range of basic dental treatments including dental checkups, scaling and polishing, fillings, and extractions. In its initial phase, the clinic will be staffed by over 50 volunteer dentists from Q&M Dental Group, who will rotate their shifts. The clinic expects to serve up to 1,400 patients annually.

Partnership with Kembangan-Chai Chee Organisations 

Eligible patients will be initially referred by organizations within the Kembangan-Chai Chee Division. These patients will receive free dental consultation and essential treatments such as scaling and polishing, fillings, and extractions. The collaboration between Q&M Dental Group and the organizations in Kembangan-Chai Chee aligns with the nationwide Preventive Healthcare Program – Healthier SG. 

Q&A: Dr Ng Chin Siau

Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Speaker of Parliament and Adviser to Marine Parade GRC Grassroots Organisations (Kembangan-Chai Chee), expressed the importance of oral health for underprivileged residents, stating, “While we have made inroads with health screening, vaccinations, and general health management, we realize that oral health has often been overlooked, especially for our underprivileged residents.”

Fundraising and Operational Costs

Q&M Dental Group led the fundraising efforts, contributing S$500,000 to fund the initial costs of renovations and equipment for the free dental clinic. The total amount raised, close to S$1 million, was made possible through the support of other key donors. The operational costs of the clinic are partially covered by donations, which can be made in the form of cash or in-kind sponsorships, specifically dental equipment, materials, and instruments.

Dr Ng Chin Siau, Group CEO of Q&M Dental Group, expressed gratitude to the generous donors and volunteer staff, stating, “With the continued support of our generous donors and volunteer staff, we aim to ramp up the current capacity to serve up to 5,000 patients per year in the free clinic’s next phase of operations, in line with our goal to make dental care accessible to all.”

According to a press release, the Q&M Free Dental Clinic in Chai Chee represents a significant step forward in addressing the oral health needs of underprivileged individuals and families, providing them with essential dental care and promoting overall well-being.