Guide
Children's dental care at government clinics: free care rules
When young children are exempt from dental charges, the Ministry of Health kindergarten and school dental services, brushing guidance, and referral for 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.
Free dental care for young children: the official rules
The Fees (Medical) Order defines a preschool child as a child aged 6 and below, and a student as a Malaysian citizen aged 21 or below who is still studying, from TASKA to higher education.
The Ministry of Health (KKM) explanation on preschool children sets out these rules:
- Under 1 year: exempt from outpatient charges.
- Preschool age: no dental charges may be imposed, except for orthodontic appliances.
- Aged 1 to 6: exempt from outpatient charges when you bring a guarantee letter (GL) or a letter from the child's taska, tadika or preschool.
- At specialist clinics: the first visit is free and follow-up visits are RM5.
Bring the letter to the appointment so the exemption can be applied.
Dental care at kindergarten and school
- Kindergarten: KKM's preschool programme covers children aged 5 and 6 who attend kindergarten. Priority goes to government-aided kindergartens, and it extends to registered private kindergartens as resources allow. This comes from a 2019 guideline that KKM still publishes.
- School: the school dental service gives pupils incremental dental care through school dental clinics and mobile dental teams.
Brushing guidance from MOH
KKM's preschool guideline says children should brush twice a day with a small, pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1000 ppm fluoride, supervised by a parent, caregiver or teacher. KKM's 2024 caries prevention guideline also says everyone should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
If your child needs braces
School pupils with crooked teeth or a bad bite (malocclusion) can be referred to a dental officer by the dental therapist treating them. KKM gives priority for orthodontic treatment to patients under 18 with IOTN 3 (AC 6), 4 or 5. Orthodontic appliances are not covered by the preschool exemption. More in braces at MOH clinics.
Common questions
Is dental treatment free for my preschool child at a government clinic?
Under KKM's rules, no dental charges may be imposed on preschool children (aged 6 and below) except for orthodontic appliances. Children aged 1 to 6 are exempt from outpatient charges when they bring a GL or a letter from their taska, tadika or preschool.
Do babies under 1 pay?
No. Children under 1 year are exempt from outpatient charges.
How much toothpaste should a young child use?
KKM's preschool guideline says a small pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste with at least 1000 ppm fluoride, twice a day, supervised by an adult.
How does my child get referred for braces?
At school, the dental therapist can refer a pupil with malocclusion to a dental officer. KKM prioritises under-18s with IOTN 3 (AC 6), 4 or 5.
Sources
- Penjelasan Isu Kanak-Kanak Pra-Sekolah
- Ringkasan Takrif dan Jadual A–H berdasarkan Akta Fi 1951 / Perintah Fi (Perubatan) 1982, Edisi Jun 2023
- Guidelines on Oral Healthcare for Preschool Children 2019 Document is over 5 years old; check whether a newer version exists
- SOP Prevention of Dental Caries for Lifelong Smiles 2024
- Garis Panduan Rujukan Rawatan Ortodontik di Fasiliti Perkhidmatan Pergigian KKM 2025
- Program Kesihatan Pergigian KKM: perkhidmatan pergigian sekolah, primer dan kepakaran
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.