I had a mastectomy 3 months ago and have been prescribed letrozole
A dexa scan shows I have osteoporosis and due to the impact of letrozole on my bones I have been prescribed allendronic acid
Am I entitled to free dental care do you know as I know bisphosphonates require careful oral health?
Thanks
Can you ask your breast care nurse if MacMillan ? You are entitled to free prescriptions but I’m not sure about dental care, unless you qualified anyway ( benefits ).
I did not recieve free dental care when on alendronic acid, but did suffer osteonecrosis of the jaw and lost my upper left incisor ( which was an implant) as a result.
I was taken off anastrozol due to my increased fracture risk, and put on tamoxifen
Hi there….having bisphosphonates does not entitle you to free dental care……but check your entitlement anyway eg if you are in receipt of UC etc
I struggled to find an NHS dentist as mine had recently gone private….I contacted my MP and they contacted NHS England on my behalf , so I now have an nhs dentist….I’ve just had my 6 th and last treatment…… I have a deep clean every 6 months as well as my check up….right under the gums ….they do this in 2 halves as it’s quite invasive….I am charged the band 2 nhs charge …which is £70 for the check up and 2 hygienist appointments every 6 months……hope you get sorted
Hi Sue
Thanks for posting.
As you suggest, good oral hygiene in important when you are having bisphosphonates. However, this does not entitle you to free dental care. As @klf suggests you may be eligible for free dental care if you are receiving certain benefits. If you think you might be eligible for any benefits our information about Financial support and benefits may be of interest to you.
You may also be interested in our information about Breast cancer and osteoporosis.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.