The cheapest way to get dental services is to help out the undergraduates at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

The students will fill cavities, extract bad teeth, make dentures, and so forth at a fraction of the cost. In some cases, the bill can come to as low as S$20. All of this is performed under close supervision, so there’s no need to worry.

Besides, you’re not the one with reason to be nervous. Can you imagine what it’s like the first timeyou walk up to a patient and get ready to pull some teeth? Believe us, you’re not the one who should be quaking.

Contact the Faculty of Dentistry for an appointment.

If you’re on a tight budget, tell your dentist early on. Most of the time, your dentist will be able to prioritise one procedure over another. You can have the urgent procedures done first, and then save the rest for later, thus staggering your payments.

This is a better alternative to getting a personal loan for dental bills, as you’ll save on interest repayments.

A lot of Singaporeans don’t know their employment benefits well. When you have the time, take a peek at the health care benefits provided: many large companies may have an inclusion for dental services.

The only downside is that you may not be able to use a dentist of your choice. Most of the time, the subsidies will only apply with select practitioners.

Dentistry is often overlooked when we buy insurance. In fact, many health insurance plans have limited or no coverage for urgent dental treatment; some may not pay out more than S$1,000 maximum for dental work, even if the eventual bill is twice that.

Speak to your insurance agent about options to add better coverage for dental, or buy a specific dental plan. Singaporeans who smoke, have a sweet tooth, or are regular soda drinkers, should be the first to consider such plans.

When going abroad, check if your travel insurance provides for emergency dental treatment. Whether it’s from needing a bad tooth pulled, or reconstructing your teeth after a major accident, the cost can be prohibitive. That’s the last thing you need while you’re already in pain.

If your travel insurance covers it, you can get immediate treatment rather than waiting to get back to Singapore.

Paying the dentist S$60 twice a year (the average number of visits for many Singaporeans) may be a real pain. But it’s better than putting it off for five years, and then facing a S$4,000 root canal.

Regular visits also give you an update on the condition of your choppers. The dentist can tell you what to avoid, and prevention is a sure way to save on crowns, implants, and dentures.

Text: Ryan Ong/SingSaver