Dental Scaling

Am I entitled to help with dental treatment costs if I have an abnormal heart valve?

I have a heart condition named Epstein Anomaly which is an abnormality of the heart valve. As a result I have to have antibiotics (which is costly) anytime I have dental treatment which I have to have regularly to decrease risk of infection. Am I exempt from NHS charges and/or entitled to help with health costs, including NHS prescription and dental treatment.

Public Comments

1. NO-next door neighbour has similar problem and gets no help at all-but check with your doctor and social services..
2. Only if you are claiming income support - as little as 20p will open the benefit door for you but it must be Income Support. Visit CAB and Benefit agency..
3. Sorry, but the answer is no. My son had open heart surgery when he was 13, he is now 33, but whenever he visits the dentist (twice a year) he has to tell him/her that he had this done. They have to give him something, I think it's antibiotics, but I am not 100% sure at this moment (sounds terrible to say that, when I am crazy about my son) but I don't think he gets any help with dental treatment costs. Sometimes he calls me and asks me for a 'loan' to cover the costs, and of course I send it, even if I have to beg, steal or borrow. Sorry to send you this kind of answer, because you deserve help with dental treatment costs, but (as an NHS friend told me) the NHS regulations for this, that and the other are ALL OVER THE PLACE at present. One day (one day ...) all will be well.
4. I doubt it unless you are on income support. My wife had open heart surgery to repair a hole in the heart but she still has to pay for dental treatment. Best thing to do is speak to your dentist.
5. Your heart condition will not give you automatic exemption from NHS charges but something else might- for example if you were on benefits. The need for antibiotic cover for dental patients with cardiac abnormalities is a contentious issue which in itself is probably beyond the scope of this sort of forum. Hope that helps.
6. sorry but as everyone has said it is a NO you have to be on one of the following IS, FTC, JSA, U16, U18 in FTE. If you are not getting one of the following then you will have to pay. the prices are now on a band 1, 2, 3 the band 3 is just under £200 and band 1 is just under £20. You can't be charged over £200 and if you have tyhen your treatmnet is don't under the NHS.then you have treatment please let you dentiest know about your MH as you may need ABC. Your dentist/ Dr/ dental nurse/ nurse will know what ABC Means.