Does Insurance Cover Scaling and Polishing Price ?

Dr. Justin Giam

20 Apr, 2026

There is no debate on how important it is to maintain one's dental health. However, cost is a crucial factor. Unavoidable ones like scaling and polishing price add up to the mounting expenses for oral procedures. Dental insurance can be a valuable tool in managing these expenses. 

Dental Insurance in Singapore usually covers routine preventative treatments and basic dental procedures like teeth cleaning, fillings and x-rays. However, if it covers more complex treatments, like deep cleaning depends on your insurance plan.

Understanding the dental insurance process can be challenging and confusing. Let us help you navigate this tricky terrain!

What is scaling/ polishing ?

It aims to remove:

  • Plaque – the sticky, bacteria-filled film that forms on your teeth

  • Tartar – hardened plaque that brushing can’t remove

  • Stains – from food, coffee, tea, or smoking

But more importantly, it also:

  • Keeps your gums healthy

  • Prevents bad breath

  • Reduces your risk of gum disease and tooth decay


Types of scaling 

Method Removes Tartar Removes Stains Comfort Level Specialty Use
Hand/Ultrasonic Scaling ❌ (only removes minor stains) Moderate Routine cleanings
Airflow Polishing High Stain removal, implants
Guided Biofilm Therapy ✅ (with scaler) Very High Preventive & periodontal
Laser Cleaning High Gum disease management

 

Scaling and Polishing Price in Singapore

The scaling and polishing price can vary significantly and is determined by the individualised treatment plan created by the dentist for each patient. Regular scaling/ polishing are essential for maintaining oral health, as they help remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains that brushing alone cannot eliminate. This prevents gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, reducing the need for more costly dental treatments in the future.

The standard scaling and polishing price at Dental Designs Clinic starts at $119.90, inclusive of 9% GST. Teeth scaling and polishing prices may be higher if additional treatments, such as fluoride application or deep cleaning for gum disease, are needed. Investing in routine cleanings not only keeps your teeth and gums healthy but also allows for early detection of potential oral health issues before they become more serious.

Does insurance cover teeth scaling and polishing price?

Routine scaling and polishing prices are frequently included in dental insurance plans because they are essential for preserving overall oral health. However, the level of coverage can vary. Some plans might cover the full cost of the procedure, while others may only cover a portion, requiring you to pay a copayments. The coverage amount can also be influenced by the type of scaling. 

Although dental insurance often covers part of the cost of a root canal, the amount depends on the type of plan you have. Most insurance plans divide dental procedures into three categories:

  • Preventive coverage (e.g., cleanings, exams)

  • Basic coverage (e.g., fillings, simple extractions, root canals)

  • Major coverage (e.g., crowns, bridges, surgical extractions)

Depending on how your insurance classifies root canals, either as a basic or major procedure, coverage can vary significantly. 

Can MediSave be used for scaling and polishing price?

Although routine cleaning is not generally covered under MediSave, you may have some subsidies via your CHAS, Merdeka or Pioneer membership.

Some surgical procedures may be claimable at least partially by MediSave. In more complex cases, there might be surgical gum treatments that will be necessary to treat the infection. For instance, flap surgery

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Related Articles

 

Our dental insurance partners at Dental Designs Clinic

Basic dental insurance typically covers consultation, teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions and x-rays, depending on your policy. At Dental Designs Clinic, we take pride in being recognised by numerous leading international insurance companies.

1. Direct claim dental insurance coverage 

Dental Designs Clinic is an accredited provider for major international insurance companies. See all the companies we work with below, or feel free to contact us to check if you are covered! 

Our direct claim insurance partners: 

  • MHC AIA
  • MHC (MHC, Better Health, MHC Phi, MHC Copay, China TP) 
  • Adept Health (DA Care, DA Care GE)
  • BetterHealth
  • Mednefits 
  • Alliance (Cigna, GE, NTUC, Singlife, HSBC (AXA), AHC Medinet)  
  • iXchange.

 

2. Direct claim insurance with pre-approved letter

For some of our direct billing partners, a pre-approved letter must be produced before your dental treatment can begin. This letter could be in the form of a Letter of Guarantee, Verification of Benefits, Guarantee of Payment, or an Authorisation Letter, depending on your insurance provider. Your insurance company will be able to provide the specific requirements and forms they require for the claim. We're happy to guide you through the process as well.

Our direct claim insurance partners that require a pre-approved letter: 

  • Euro Center,
  • Cynergy Care, 
  • Healix International,
  • United Healthcare,
  • Geoblue,
  • MSH International,
  • eExpedise Group 
  • Europ Assistance.

 

3. Self-claim dental insurance coverage 

We offer self-claim insurance options to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to, even if your insurance isn’t part of our direct claim network. Self-claim dental insurance usually involves you submitting the claim through your insurance portal after your treatment has been done. We will be able to provide you with an itemised invoice to submit to your insurance provider as well as a dental memo if required. 

If your insurance requires any claim forms or dental reports to be completed by the dentist, please bring them with you and our team will be happy to assist in filling them out. We’re committed to making sure you get the dental care you need with with a smooth claims process. 

Our self-claim insurance partners: 

  • Henner
  • Bupa
  • MSIG
  • CHUBB
  • MSH China
  • Now Health International
  • Globality Health
  • Allianz Care.

 

Don’t see your insurance provider as part of our network? No worries, just reach out to us and we will be happy to assist in checking for you.

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How do I utilise my dental insurance at Dental Designs Clinic?

Submitting insurance claims in a timely manner can alleviate the financial strain of dental treatments. If you have dental insurance and wish to schedule an appointment with us, just follow these steps for a seamless experience!

1) Before your appointment

When booking your appointment, kindly let us know if you have dental insurance. This will help simplify the billing process on the day of your visit. Our clinic staff are available to address any questions you might have regarding your insurance or coverage before your appointment.

2) Present your insurance during your appointment

When you come to the clinic for your appointment, just show your NRIC/FIN Card and Dental Insurance card or Staff card for registration at the front desk.

3) Check insurance coverage

Depending on your plan, you might have:

  • Direct Claim Insurance : We will handle the claim submission directly with your insurance provider, ensuring you do not have to pay upfront for any treatments covered by your plan.
  • Self-Claim Insurance : If you are managing the claim on your own, you will settle the payment for your treatment after your visit. We will provide you with a detailed invoice and any necessary documents to facilitate reimbursement through your HR. Should you have insurance forms that require completion, simply pass them to our front desk, and we will assist you with the process.

 

4) Visit the dentist for your appointment

Your dentist will start your treatment. If there is anything not covered by your insurance, please let your dental know.

5) After your appointment

Our front desk staff will let you know if there are any extra charges or co-pays. If you have direct billing, we’ll take care of processing the claims for you. Dental Designs clinic offers affordable tooth scaling and polishing price that fits your pocket while bringing you a confident smile!

6) Book your next appointment

With your insurance information now on file, booking and managing future visits to clinic will be even easier. Just let us know if there have been any changes in your dental insurance coverage or details, and we’ll update our records accordingly.

 

Conclusion

The level of coverage can vary; some plans might cover the entire cost, while others might ask for a copayment. Insurance plans generally group dental procedures into preventive, basic, and major categories, which can influence how root canals are covered.

Ready to book a dental appointment with Dental Designs? Simply leave us a message here and we will be right with you!

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

 

Dr. Justin Giam

Dr. Justin Giam

Dr. Justin Giam is the Clinical Director at Dental Designs Clinic in Singapore. He graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) from the University of Melbourne, where he received multiple awards and was on the Dean’s List for two years. With substantial experience in Australia and...

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