Guide
Braces at MOH clinics: who qualifies, referral and charges
Who the Ministry of Health treats for braces, what you must do before referral, the official charges, and the risks of fake braces.
Compiled from MOH and MDC sources; not reviewed by a dentist; not medical advice. Government charges shown are from MOH documents and may change — confirm with the clinic.
Who qualifies for braces at MOH
Ministry of Health (KKM) orthodontic clinics assess need with the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). According to KKM's 2025 referral guideline:
- KKM orthodontic facilities treat cases with IOTN scores 5 and 4 that affect function and dental health.
- Priority goes to patients under 18 with IOTN 3 (AC 6), 4 or 5.
- For patients over 18, treatment is only for complex cases that need care from several disciplines.
- Patients who do not meet IOTN 4–5 but insist may be referred for a consultation only, with no guarantee of treatment.
What you must do before referral
To be referred, the guideline says a patient must:
- be a Malaysian citizen
- have very good oral hygiene (O'Leary plaque score 0–20%)
- be free of calculus and gingivitis (gum inflammation)
- be dentally fit, with all basic treatment completed
- be highly motivated, together with the parents, for example by keeping appointments
Referrals are not accepted for patients with:
- poor oral hygiene (plaque score 61–100%)
- uncontrolled gum disease
- many non-vital teeth or many decayed teeth
- many crowns or bridges
- uncontrolled epilepsy
- IOTN 1 to 3
How referral works
- School pupils with crooked teeth or a bad bite (malocclusion) can be referred to a dental officer by the dental therapist treating them.
- The orthodontist screens the case and classes it as urgent, waiting list or discharge.
- A referral letter is valid for 3 months. If appointments are missed after it expires, a new letter is needed.
Government charges
| Item | Pesakit Luar (RM) |
|---|---|
| Fixed appliance (braces), per arch | 500 |
| Partial fixed appliance | 200 |
| Removable appliance, passive | 100 |
| Removable appliance, active | 200 |
| Fixed retainer, per arch | 100 |
| Essix retainer | 100 |
| Temporary anchorage device, each | 150 |
Extractions done for orthodontic treatment are charged separately unless you have a guarantee letter (GL).
Amounts in RM. Kelas 1, Kelas 2 and Kelas 3 are hospital ward classes; Pesakit Luar is the outpatient charge, which applies to most clinic visits. These are charges for Malaysian citizens, from MOH Lampiran E (document dated April 2021), and may change. Non-citizens pay different rates. Confirm with the clinic.
Orthodontic appliances are not covered by the exemptions for preschool children and pregnant women. See government dental charges.
Fake braces: what they are and the risks
KKM's SOP on fake braces describes them as brace-like appliances fitted by illegal practitioners. They are advertised on social media and often fitted in hotels, homes or beauty salons.
The risks listed by KKM:
- infections such as hepatitis and HIV through cross-infection
- enamel decalcification, tooth decay and gum disease
- uncontrolled tooth movement, causing bone loss, loose teeth and a worse bite
- metals and adhesives of unknown safety
Complaints to KKM about illegal dental practitioners rose from 31 in 2015 to 114 in 2019, and those about fake braces rose from 2 to 62. These figures come from the 2021 SOP and are now several years old.
How to check the provider is registered
Orthodontics is a dental specialty recognised by the Malaysian Dental Council. You can look up a dentist on MHPS. The steps are in how to check a registered dentist.
Common questions
How much do braces cost at a government clinic?
Lampiran E lists RM500 per arch for fixed braces as an outpatient (Malaysian citizens), RM100 for a fixed retainer per arch and RM100 for an Essix retainer. Orthodontic extractions are charged separately unless you have a GL. The document is dated April 2021 and charges may change.
Who qualifies for braces at MOH?
KKM treats cases with IOTN 4 and 5 that affect function and dental health. Priority goes to under-18s with IOTN 3 (AC 6), 4 or 5. Patients must also have very good oral hygiene and have completed all basic treatment.
Can adults get braces at a government clinic?
For patients over 18, KKM's guideline limits treatment to complex cases that need care from several disciplines.
How long is an orthodontic referral letter valid?
Three months. If appointments are missed after it expires, you need a new letter.
Why are fake braces dangerous?
KKM lists infection risks such as hepatitis and HIV, enamel damage, decay, gum disease, uncontrolled tooth movement with bone loss and loose teeth, and materials of unknown safety.
Sources
- Garis Panduan Rujukan Rawatan Ortodontik di Fasiliti Perkhidmatan Pergigian KKM 2025
- Lampiran E – Caj Pergigian (Rawatan Pergigian) Document is over 5 years old; check whether a newer version exists
- SOP Pengurusan Kes Pendakap Gigi yang Palsu, Edisi Pertama 2021 Document is over 5 years old; check whether a newer version exists
- Majlis Pergigian Malaysia: kelayakan dan kepakaran pergigian yang diiktiraf
- Malaysian Healthcare Practitioners System (MHPS)
All sources were read on 14 Oct 2026. If a document has since been updated, the newer version applies.
Compiled from MOH and MDC sources; not reviewed by a dentist; not medical advice. Government charges shown are from MOH documents and may change — confirm with the clinic. Spotted a fact that is wrong or out of date? Tell us at hubungi@checkgigi.my.