What is Social Security? What Dental Benefits Does It Cover?

Social security is an insurance system established under the Social Security Act B.E. 2553 (2010) with the aim of providing assistance to insured individuals in various aspects, such as medical expenses, maternity benefits, unemployment compensation, dental care, and more, as stipulated by law. Those eligible for social security benefits must meet the following criteria:

  • Employees working in establishments with at least 10 employees
  • Workers in establishments with at least 1 employee that are registered with the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare
  • Government officials, police officers, and state enterprise employees
  • Self-employed individuals, such as farmers, craftsmen, musicians, singers, actors, and other professions as specified by law

Key Benefits of Social Security

Social security provides numerous benefits to insured individuals who consistently contribute as required. Coverage extends to those who have left their jobs and are currently unemployed. The key benefits include:

  • Unemployment Benefits – Compensation of 60% of the last salary, up to 15,000 THB, for a maximum of 6 months
  • Medical Expenses – Covers medical treatment, food, medication, and travel expenses, up to 3,000 THB for 750 days
  • Maternity Benefits – 50% of the last salary, up to 15,000 THB, for 45 days
  • Disability Benefits – Compensation of 50–75% of the last salary, up to 15,000 THB, for life
  • Death Benefits – Compensation of 70% of the last salary, up to 210,000 THB, with an additional 25% pension, up to 75,000 THB
  • Retirement Pension – Pension payment of 20–60% of the average salary, up to 15,000 THB, for life

What Dental Treatments Are Covered by Social Security?

In 2024, insured individuals under Section 33 and Section 39 of social security are entitled to dental care at participating dental clinics, with coverage of up to 900 THB per year without the need for upfront payment. The covered treatments include 

  • Scaling – Removal of Plaque and Tartar

Scaling is a dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and other debris from the teeth and gum line. It helps prevent oral health problems such as tooth decay, gingivitis, and receding gums.

  • Dental Fillings – Treatment for Tooth Decay

A dental filling is used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, wear, fractures, or chipping. The procedure involves cleaning the affected area and filling the cavity with restorative material to preserve the tooth structure.

  • Tooth Extraction – Removing Severely Damaged Teeth

Tooth extraction is performed when a tooth is severely decayed, broken, or impacted, posing risks to oral health. Common reasons for extraction include severe decay, fractures, impacted wisdom teeth, periodontal disease, and orthodontic treatment requiring tooth removal for alignment purposes.

  • Wisdom Tooth Surgery – Removal of Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure, similar in frequency to scaling and fillings. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, misalignment of adjacent teeth, difficulty cleaning, and infections. Surgical removal helps prevent oral health complications and preserves healthy teeth.

Does Social Security Cover Dentures? 

Yes, social security covers partial and full dentures with the following reimbursement limits:

  • Removable Partial Dentures
    • 1–5 teeth: Up to 1,300 THB (actual expense reimbursed)
    • More than 5 teeth: Up to 1,500 THB (actual expense reimbursed)
  • Removable Full Dentures
    • Upper or lower full denture: Up to 2,400 THB (valid for 5 years)
    • Both upper and lower full dentures: Up to 4,400 THB (valid for 5 years)

Why Does Social Security Cover Only Basic Dental Procedures?

The social security dental benefits focus on essential oral care—scaling, fillings, extractions, and wisdom tooth surgery—because these procedures are fundamental to maintaining oral health. Providing coverage for these treatments ensures that everyone can receive basic dental care, reducing financial burdens, particularly for low-income individuals, and promoting equal access to healthcare services.

How to Use Social Security for Dental Care & Required Documents

Insured individuals under Section 33 and Section 39 who have contributed for at least 3 months (or those who have left employment within the past 6 months) can claim 900 THB per year for dental care. Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Prepare your ID card and social security card for verification at the dental clinic.
  2. Contact the hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility to confirm their participation in the social security program.
  3. Inform the clinic that you wish to use your social security dental benefits.
  4. Undergo treatment and claim up to 900 THB without upfront payment. If the cost exceeds the coverage, you will need to pay the difference.

How to Find Dental Clinics That Accept Social Security

There are numerous social security-affiliated dental clinics across Thailand. Insured individuals can find nearby clinics using the SSO Mobile app or through the Social Security Office (SSO) website: https://www.sso.go.th/wpr/main/login

Steps to find a clinic:

  1. Visit the SSO website: https://www.sso.go.th/wpr/main/login 
  2. Select the "Find Healthcare Facilities" menu
  3. Enter relevant information (province, district, postal code) to locate the nearest participating dental clinics

How to Choose a Trustworthy Dental Clinic

Choosing the right dental care is crucial for receiving quality care. When selecting a clinic, consider the following factors: Legitimate dental license – Ensure the clinic is officially registered. Experienced and qualified dentists – Check the credentials and expertise of the dental practitioners. Clean and well-equipped facilities – Ensure the clinic maintains high hygiene standards. Reasonable pricing – Avoid clinics that charge suspiciously low fees or excessively high costs. Positive patient reviews – Look for feedback from previous patients to gauge the clinic’s reliability. 

AT U Dental, provides comprehensive dental care with a network of over 20 partner clinics across Bangkok, surrounding provinces, and other regions. We offer safe and hygienic dental treatments, fully certified by the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally, we provide mobile dental services, bringing quality dental care directly to companies and organizations seeking to improve employee health benefits. AT U Dental accepts social security coverage without requiring advance payment, ensuring easy access to essential dental services. We believe that good oral health leads to a better quality of life, and we are committed to making dental care affordable and accessible for everyone.