New Chief Dental Officer in Ministry of Health

1.    With effect from 1 May 2018, Dr Chng Chai Kiat will succeed Associate Professor Patrick Tseng as the new Chief Dental Officer (CDO) in the Ministry of Health (MOH).  A/Prof Tseng will be returning to full time clinical practice at the National University Hospital upon stepping down as CDO.

2.    In his 12-year tenure as CDO, A/Prof Tseng has made notable contributions in strengthening the development of Dentistry in Singapore. A/Prof Tseng played a key role in establishing the Dental Specialists Accreditation Board in 2008, which enabled the registration of dental specialists. This was important for the growth and development of specialist dental practice for complex dental services. Under the guidance of A/Prof Tseng, the registration and regulation of oral health therapists (OHTs) commenced in 2008. This helped to ensure that OHTs are appropriately trained and accredited for the skilled provision of basic dental care procedures.

3.    Compulsory Continuing Professional Education for dentists was implemented during A/Prof Tseng’s term to ensure that dentists keep up with the advances in dental knowledge and developments in new materials, techniques and technologies. A/Prof Tseng also chaired the Dental Services Advisory Committee’s review on the organisation and provision of public dental services to meet the increasing demand and changing needs of our population.

4.    A highly respected leader in the dental community both locally and globally, A/Prof Tseng also provided leadership and made contributions in various local and international professional bodies and advisory panels. For his outstanding contributions towards the improvement of Singapore’s dental healthcare system, A/Prof Tseng was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) in 2014.

5.    Dr Chng Chai Kiat is a Senior Consultant and Head of the Dental Service and Cleft and Craniofacial Dentistry Unit at the KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH). Dr Chng is well regarded in the dental fraternity, with deep insights on the evolving dental landscape.  In addition to his portfolio at KKH, he has been a Consultant in MOH’s CDO Office since March 2008 and the Executive Secretary of the Singapore Dental Council (SDC) since June 2011.  

6.    Dr Chng’s experience and leadership in KKH, coupled with a strong track record during his term at SDC and CDO Office, provides a strong foundation for him to contribute well in his new role as CDO.

7.    The Ministry of Health wishes to express its deepest appreciation to A/Prof Patrick Tseng for his leadership and contribution in in advancing the dental profession in Singapore, and at the same time, extend a warm welcome to Dr Chng Chai Kiat as the new CDO.