Dental clinics suspended for false claims
In a first of its kind, two dental clinics will be suspended from participating in the Community Health Assist Scheme (Chas) for making false claims and flouting guidelines.
The suspensions will take effect from July 8, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement yesterday.
Phoenix Dental Surgery clinics in Ang Mo Kio and Marine Parade had continuously made claims that did not comply with MOH rules and guidelines, according to audits conducted by the ministry.
These included a number of claims for procedures that were not performed.
Both clinics were informed of the audit findings last month.
MOH has referred the matter to the police for investigation into possible criminal offences.
The ministry said it takes a "serious view" of such errant practices.
"MOH will review the situation, taking into consideration the status of the police investigations, before considering if the clinics can resume their participation in Chas," it said.
The clinics will have to prove to the ministry that they have taken steps to rectify their past non-compliances and ensure future compliance with the rules specified in the Chas agreement signed by participating clinics, as well as prevailing MOH guidelines and circulars on Chas.
Dentists at the clinics, meanwhile, can continue to practise in accordance with their registration with the Singapore Dental Council.
Chas is a nationwide programme that allows Singaporeans from lower- to middle-income households, as well as all Pioneer Generation Singaporeans, to receive subsidies for medical and dental care at participating general practitioners and dental clinics.
There are more than 600 dental clinics participating in Chas.
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