IN A bid to bring dental care closer to Singaporeans, private dental group Q&M has started what is believed to be the first private mobile dental clinic here.

Typically, school-going children only receive in-house dental care up to secondary level.

The mobile clinic, which houses two dental chairs and facilities for basic dental treatment, is making rounds at Junior Colleges and tertiary institutions for a start.

Students at these institutions can sign up for free dental screening and may opt to get treatment, which are then chargeable.

Q&M also plans to give free consultation and treatment to underprivileged groups.

Statistics from the Health Promotion Board show that 54 per cent of adults here do not visit dentists regularly, and 85 per cent of those that do suffer from gum disease.