Experiences sought regarding HSE scheme where one can get a free dental cleaning

kangaroo

When I went to the dentist this time last year, a note was up that people with long-term conditions could be eligible for a free clean.

They said they would apply for me. I (well, my mum) brought down my prescription which includes a low-dose tricyclic antidepressant (for sleep, pain, etc.) which causes dry mouth. I presumed I would be passed. The dentist's assistant never asked for my medical details* but they should have that on file.

When I rang today I asked about this and was told I hadn't been passed and only people with diabetes and epilepsy are getting it.

However, I know one person with M.E. who has got it.

What are others' experiences?

* I have severe myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) for the last twenty years. I'm basically housebound, just going out for important appointments. I need a wheelchair for more than 15 metres.

davo10

Instead of going to a dental clinic which has to apply for approval, you could contact the HSE clinic in your area and ask for an appointment with one of their dentists. Diabetes and the medication taken for epilepsy can have a detrimental effect of the gums/connective tissue in the mouth, that is why they are sometimes approved.

Beano

by "long-term conditions" do they mean people who qualify for the HSEs Long Term Illness scheme? This is a specific set of conditions for which the HSE covers the cost of medication and required treatment.


Acute Leukaemia
Mental handicap
Cerebral Palsy
Mental Illness (in a person under 16)
Cystic Fibrosis
Multiple Sclerosis
Diabetes Insipidus
Muscular Dystrophies
Diabetes Mellitus
Parkinsonism
Epilepsy
Phenylketonuria
Haemophilia
Spina Bifida
Hydrocephalus
Conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide

Beano

davo10 wrote: »

Instead of going to a dental clinic which has to apply for approval, you could contact the HSE clinic in your area and ask for an appointment with one of their dentists. Diabetes and the medication taken for epilepsy can have a detrimental effect of the gums/connective tissue in the mouth, that is why they are sometimes approved.

Just curious, what diabetes medication causes dental problems? I asked my dentist when i was diagnosed several years ago and he didnt raise any concerns.

davo10

Beano wrote: »

Just curious, what diabetes medication causes dental problems? I asked my dentist when i was diagnosed several years ago and he didnt raise any concerns.

Medication taken for epilepsy can cause gingival hyperplasia. Uncontrolled diabetes can leave you prone to gum disease due to poor blood supply, lowered resistance to bacterial infection and poor ability of tissues to regenerate/heal.

kangaroo

davo10 wrote: »

Instead of going to a dental clinic which has to apply for approval, you could contact the HSE clinic in your area and ask for an appointment with one of their dentists.

Thank you for replying.

I was not aware of this facility. Can you or anyone direct me to more information on it.

On the HSE website it says:

Dental Services and Treatment

Dental Services in Ireland are provided by two main types of service:

Private Dentists, who see their own patients and also many of whom provide services for people with medical cards.

HSE Dental Clinics, who provide services for children of school-going age. This service is accessed through screening appointments in your child's primary school.

http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/2/dental/

i.e. doesn't mention what you refer to (I'm not of school-going age).

davo10

Kangaroo I'm assuming you have a medical card, the HSE have responcilbility for medical card holders plus all children under 16 regardless if the kid has a med card or not. As an adult with a medical card, you can access dental treatment through a HSE clinic but unfortunately that does not mean they have to treat you. Contact you local primary centre and explain your condition and your need for treatment.