I REFER to Mr Dave Yap's letter, "Why aren't dental subsidies given to school children?" (my paper, Nov 16).

The Health Promotion Board places a strong emphasis on the prevention of dental problems and inculcation of good oral-hygiene practices from young.

Our School Dental Service ensures that all school-going Singaporean children (seven- to 18-year-olds) in national schools are provided free basic dental services, including screening for dental caries, cleaning and fillings in school dental clinics.

When the children require follow-up specialist dental care, they are usually referred to the National Dental Centre of Singapore, where they are accorded subsidised rates.

There is, however, no subsidy for orthodontic treatment, which is classified as aesthetics treatment. Orthodontic treatment for medically related conditions, however, will be subsidised.

I thank Mr Yap for the opportunity to provide clarifications to his query, and encourage him to call the School Dental Centre on 6435-3782, or e-mail [email protected] for any further queries.