Patients conveniently access dental care through ‘UCS upgrade’

Dental services at the clinics are rated the highest regarding beneficiaries' satisfaction in the "UCS upgrade" pilot project introduced by the Thai government. 

The pilot project, launched in 12 provinces across Thailand on 7 January, aims to improve the quality, accessibility, and convenience of Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) beneficiaries through digital transformation. 

It allows beneficiaries to access health care services using only their national ID card regardless of their registered health facilities. 



The campaign was called "30 Baht Treatment Anywhere with a Single ID Card" with a tied to its initial name, "30-baht healthcare scheme".

Engaging private health units in the health system is crucial to achieving this goal.

These units are located in communities and operate with flexible hours, including after office hours, when most workers are available for clinic visits. 

The National Health Security Office (NHSO), which oversees UCS funds, has partnered with private health units to deliver health services.

These units include pharmacies,  nursing clinics, medical technology clinics, physical therapy clinics, dental clinics, general medicine clinics, and Thai traditional medicine clinics.

The partnership allows UCS beneficiaries to access health services at the clinics free of charge.

The NHSO covers all expenses and reimburses the service fees directly with the clinic operators.

The feedback from patients shows that dental clinics are the most favored health units under this pilot.

"Upon asking patients about their experiences, they expressed great satisfaction with visiting dental clinics partnering with the NHSO.



They could access services with minimal waiting times, at no cost, and with an increasing number of available dental clinics," said Dr Athaporn Limpanyalers, the NHSO Deputy Secretary-General.

During the initial phases of the pilot project, 106 dental clinics participated and provided services to approximately 10,000 people or more than 15,000 visits, averaging 1.5 visits per person. 

Five dental services are prioritized in the partnering clinics, including teeth scaling, filling, extraction, fissure sealing, and fluoride vanishing.

UCS beneficiaries can get these services through three visits a year. 

While this number may seem limited, said Dr. Athaporn, the analysis has shown that it can significantly increase public access to dental services without imposing a heavy financial burden on the Thai government.

Additionally, if a person has used up their visit quota but still requires necessary dental treatment, they can still receive treatment at their designated health units at no additional cost.



A new dimension of healthcare
Dr Thongchai Vachirarojpisan, the Vice-President of the Dental Council of Thailand, stated that dental clinics participating in the NHSO's partnership act as primary health care units.

Their services are not only limited to teeth scaling, extractions, and fillings but also include an assessment of oral health risks and the development of a comprehensive treatment plan. 

There are around 7,000 private dental clinics nationwide, with 4,000 located outside the Bangkok metropolitan area.

The Dental Council of Thailand aims to have 25% of those clinics, or around 1,000 clinics outside Bangkok, participate in the pilot program.

Dr Adirek Watthana, the founder of Adirek Dental Clinic in Phrae province, has registered his clinic in partnership with the NHSO.

“The partnership is innovative and represents a new dimension in the healthcare sector,” he said.

“As soon as we learned about the partnership, we studied the information, consulted among our team members, and decided to join hands with the NHSO.”


They prepared by increasing the number of dentists and dental assistants to accommodate the growing number of patients brought from UCS.

The service plan is implemented to arrange service channels for both UCS beneficiaries and self-funded patients and manage to schedule appointments to minimize waiting times.

"People who come for treatment at our clinic are very delighted because previously, they had to go to state hospitals, wait in long queues, and endure crowded places. Now they can receive treatment at private clinics, which are more convenient,” said Dr. Adirek.

“Our service hours are more flexible and better suit their lifestyles. If they go to public hospitals, they have to go during office hours, but they can come to us after work hours.”

Recently, some parents have been bringing their children to Dr. Adirek's clinic after school, allowing the children to attend their classes without interruption and sparing the parents from having to take their time off work to accompany them.

Indirect expenses have also decreased significantly. Some people unaware of this project were surprised and delighted when they received treatment without paying. "

Benefit for all
Dr. Adirek added that the participation of private dental clinics in the UC Scheme benefits all parties involved.

First, public access to primary dental care has increased, leading to timely treatment. For example, immediate tooth filling can halt the progression of decay, preventing it from reaching the point of extraction or root canal treatment in the future.

Second, public hospitals can refer patients in need of primary care to private clinics, allowing them to focus more on specialized and complex cases.

Third, private clinics have seen increased visitors and received compensation at acceptable rates while being recognized within the community

Dr Porat Youthai, who runs Porat Dental Clinic in Sing Buri province, shared that his clinic has received 20% more visitors since participating in the UCS.

 He emphasized the increasing access to dental care for elderly people, especially those who have never before received dental services at any healthcare facility due to some constraints.

“Without this partnership, many people will never have access to dental care despite its determination for health and quality of life,” said Dr Porat.

Dr Naruechit Thongrungreungchai, the owner of the Non Sang Dentistry Clinic in Nong Bua Lamphu province, said that the partnership with the NHSO brings several benefits to this clinic.

As the clinic has become more recognized within the community, it has attracted an increased number of visitors. 

"I would like to tell fellow dentists that although there may be several steps during the application process, once they pass it and join the partnership, they will be supported by the NHSO, including getting scheduled payment," said Dr Naruechit.

"The back-office software is not too difficult to learn. It's worthwhile considering the benefits compared to the investment.

I invite everyone to join this partnership, as it benefits all parties." 

Umaporn, a patient at Porat Dentistry Clinic, expressed her satisfaction with the services.

She can receive services at the clinic and even access services outside her area without any financial burden instead of waiting in long queues at the hospital from early morning.

“I hope for such services to be available nationwide,” she said.