You can bring your child to the school dental clinic or mobile dental clinic to check whether braces are needed. HPB identifies these as starting points for a school-based assessment.
If the school dentist finds that orthodontic treatment is needed, HPB says the dentist will provide a referral letter to an external orthodontist. The referral is a route to specialist assessment, not a quoted treatment package.
Punggol parents should ask the orthodontist about treatment options and costs. Do not assume a school referral means braces are provided at school or that the full treatment is free.
In this guide
CHAPTER 1 OF 4
Where should we start?
The HPB braces assessment guide points parents to the school or mobile dental clinic. Ask the clinic how to arrange the assessment.
Explain your question to the dentist and let the child describe any concern. Avoid deciding the treatment from photographs or comparisons with a classmate’s teeth.
CHAPTER 2 OF 4
What does the referral mean?
If a referral is issued, read the letter and clarify the booking instructions for the external specialist. Keep a copy with the appointment record.
Ask whether you need to contact the specialist yourself and what documents to bring. Do not assume a referral letter alone reserves a consultation slot.
CHAPTER 3 OF 4
What should I ask about costs?
Ask the orthodontist for the proposed options and an itemised estimate. Clarify which consultations, records, appliances, reviews and later stages are included where relevant.
Also ask about payment arrangements, cancellation terms and charges outside the estimate. These are questions to resolve with the provider rather than a reason to rely on another family’s old bill.
CHAPTER 4 OF 4
How can treatment fit around school?
If treatment is recommended, ask the specialist about the expected appointment schedule and practical care instructions. Discuss questions directly with the treating team.
Use the confirmed schedule to organise travel from Punggol and any school absence. Keep the child involved in the discussion so that both parent and student understand the proposed next step.
Information checked on 11 October 2026. Follow HPB’s current instructions and the guidance given for your child’s appointment or care arrangements.
