Dr Tan Wah Ching is a specialist periodontist registered with the Singapore Dental Council. His listed qualifications include BDS (Singapore), MDS (Periodontology) (Singapore), MRD RCS (Edinburgh), FRACDS (Australia), Dr. Med. Dent. (Berne) and FAMS (Periodontology).
He practises at The Dental Studio at Paragon Medical on Orchard Road and was previously a consultant at the National Dental Centre of Singapore. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore and an ITI fellow.
Clinical focus
Periodontics & implants.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
BDS (Singapore), MDS (Periodontology) (Singapore), MRD RCS (Edinburgh), FRACDS (Australia), Dr. Med. Dent. (Berne), FAMS (Periodontology).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: The Dental Studio — Paragon Medical, Orchard Road
Getting to the clinic
The Dental Studio is located at Paragon Medical, 290 Orchard Road, in the heart of the Orchard shopping belt. The most direct public-transport option is the MRT: Orchard station (NS22 on the North-South Line and TE14 on the Thomson-East Coast Line) sits a short, sheltered walk away, while Somerset station (NS23) is also within comfortable walking distance from the eastern end of the belt. From either station you can stay largely under cover by moving through the connected malls and pedestrian links along Orchard Road.
Numerous bus services run along Orchard Road and Paterson Road, with stops close to the Paragon building. If you are travelling by car or taxi, the Paragon has a sheltered drop-off point and a paid visitor car park; ride-hailing and taxis can set you down directly at the entrance, which is useful if you have had a dental procedure and would prefer not to walk far afterwards. As Orchard Road is busy throughout the day, allow extra travelling time during weekday lunch hours and weekend afternoons.
What periodontics and implants cover
Periodontics is the dental specialty concerned with the gums and the supporting structures around the teeth, including the periodontal ligament and the bone that holds teeth in place. A periodontist typically manages gum (periodontal) disease in its various stages, from early gingivitis with bleeding gums through to more advanced periodontitis where gum and bone support are lost and teeth may loosen. Treatment can include detailed cleaning below the gum line (scaling and root planing), management of risk factors, and surgical procedures to reduce deep pockets, regenerate lost tissue or reshape the gum line.
The implant side of the practice involves replacing missing teeth with titanium fixtures placed in the jawbone, onto which crowns, bridges or dentures are later attached. This may also involve procedures to build up bone or gum tissue where support is insufficient. Periodontists also manage gum recession, the aesthetics of the gum line, and the long-term maintenance needed to keep both natural teeth and implants healthy.
What to expect at a consultation
A first periodontal consultation usually begins with a discussion of your dental and medical history, including smoking, diabetes and any medications, as these affect gum health and healing. The dentist will examine your gums and teeth, often measuring the depth of the spaces around each tooth (periodontal pocket charting) and checking for bleeding, recession and tooth mobility. X-rays or a 3D scan may be taken to assess the level of supporting bone, and for implant planning to evaluate bone volume and position.
After the assessment, the periodontist will explain the findings, the stage of any gum disease present, and the options available. For implants, this includes whether the site is suitable, whether bone grafting might be needed, and the likely sequence and timing of treatment. You will have the chance to ask questions before agreeing to a plan.
Preparing for your appointment
To make the visit productive, bring the following:
- Photo identification and any insurance or corporate dental details.
- A referral letter from your general dentist, if you have one, along with any recent dental X-rays or scans.
- A list of your current medications and supplements, including blood thinners, and any drug allergies.
- Details of relevant medical conditions, particularly diabetes, as these influence gum healing.
- A written list of your symptoms and questions, for example bleeding gums, loose teeth, bad breath or interest in replacing a missing tooth.
If you wear a denture or partial denture, bring it along so it can be assessed alongside any implant or gum treatment being considered.
After your consultation and follow-up
Periodontal care is usually staged over several appointments. After initial treatment such as deep cleaning, a review visit checks how the gums have responded and whether further treatment or surgery is needed. Gum disease is a chronic condition, so ongoing maintenance cleaning at regular intervals is central to keeping it stable. Implant treatment is also phased, with healing time between surgical and restorative stages and periodic checks thereafter.
You will typically receive guidance on home care, and any reports can be shared with your general dentist for continuity of care. If you would like a second opinion before committing to surgery or implants, you are free to seek one. Seek prompt attention if you develop significant swelling, persistent bleeding, fever or severe pain after a procedure.
Booking, referrals and fees
As a private specialist clinic, The Dental Studio can usually be approached directly without a referral, although your general dentist may refer you for specialist gum or implant care. Dental treatment is generally paid out of pocket in Singapore, and government medical schemes such as MediSave do not normally apply to routine dental work, though limited use may be possible for certain surgical procedures carried out in specific settings. Always confirm the expected costs, payment options and any insurance coverage directly with the clinic before treatment begins, and ask for a written estimate for staged work.
Common questions
Do bleeding gums always mean gum disease?
Bleeding when brushing or flossing is often an early sign of gum inflammation, but a periodontist can assess the cause and severity and advise on treatment.
Can a loose tooth be saved?
It depends on how much supporting bone remains. A periodontal assessment, including pocket charting and X-rays, helps determine whether treatment can stabilise the tooth or whether replacement is more appropriate.
How long do dental implants take?
Implant treatment is usually staged over several months to allow healing and integration with the bone. The exact timeline depends on your individual situation, including whether bone grafting is required.
Is gum treatment painful?
Procedures are carried out with local anaesthesia, and discomfort afterwards is usually manageable. Your periodontist will discuss what to expect and how to care for the area during healing.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of dentists & dental specialists in Singapore and our shortlist of dental clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a dentist’s current registration on the Singapore Dental Council (SDC) register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not dental advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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