National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) Launches Mobile Dental Clinic to Enhance Oral Healthcare Access for Vulnerable in the Community

• Mobile Dental Clinic is complementary to NDCS preventive oral health programmes in the community; allows provision of essential oral care solutions
• It aims to screen 1,900 seniors across 10 nursing homes by 2028
• Initiative supported by LION Corporation Singapore, underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing preventive oral healthcare

Singapore, September 26, 2025 - Vulnerable seniors in intermediate and long-term care (ILTC) settings can expect better access to essential oral healthcare with the launch of National Dental Centre Singapore’s (NDCS) first Mobile Dental Clinic (MDC). It eliminates traditional barriers to oral health treatment by bringing essential dental services directly to those who need them most but face the greatest challenges in accessing care. MDC integrates with established NDCS programmes in the community to deliver holistic oral healthcare solutions for Singapore's vulnerable populations.

2.         Together with key partner and supporter of the Mobile Dental Clinic, LION Corporation Singapore, the official launch ceremony held at Bright Hill Evergreen Home was graced by Mdm Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, and Ministry of Health.

3.         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.

4.         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.

5.         "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."

6.         The Mobile Dental Clinic serves as a crucial bridge in NDCS' population oral health strategy, complementing established programmes including Tele-Dentistry Oral Care for Seniors—Singapore's first tele-dentistry initiative for vulnerable seniors—, 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 equips non-dental healthcare professionals with skills to provide basic oral care within the community. Together, these initiatives enable NDCS to deliver comprehensive oral care solutions to Singapore's most vulnerable populations.

7.         MDC aims to screen 1,900 seniors across 10 nursing homes by 2028, providing dental screening services and on-site basic treatment such as atraumatic restorative treatment (removal of decayed tooth structure using hand instruments, with restoration of cavity), fluoride therapy (application of fluoride or silver diamine fluoride), scaling and polishing, simple cavity filling, tooth extraction and x-ray, where traditional dental access is limited.  It also plans to collaborate with community-based dental clinics, ensuring seamless continuity of care for seniors beyond the initial interventions. In the longer term, MDC will consider how to expand its reach to serve individuals with special healthcare needs.

8.         The concept for the Mobile Dental Clinic emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the need to improve oral care accessibility for underserved communities. The initiative was made possible through a $2.05 million sponsorship from LION Corporation Singapore who shares NDCS' vision for enhanced community oral healthcare. With 130 years of heritage in Japan, LION Corporation brings valuable expertise to enhance health, connecting it to the birthplace of the 8020 Movement that inspired NDCS' own Oral Health Movement 8020. This collaboration also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing community healthcare needs.

9.         “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. 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.” said Ms Ng Soo Khim, Managing Director, LION Corporation Singapore.

10.       “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.

11.       Through strategic partnerships, the Mobile Dental Clinic and NDCS' community oral health programmes aim to deliver a seamless continuum of oral care to Singapore's most vulnerable populations, moving beyond one-time treatments to sustainable ongoing care.