FixIt4Free
The Epilepsy Society is calling for the NHS to provide free dental repairs to teeth damaged by seizures.
Sign our petition to #FixIt4Free
We believe that people with epilepsy who have damaged their teeth due to seizures should not have to pay large sums of money for repairs. They have a medical condition, and we believe they should have this treatment for free. Join our campaign!
A staggering 58 per cent of people with epilepsy who responded to our recent survey have faced dental repair costs they could not afford. And this is not a niche issue: over two-thirds have broken or chipped their teeth as a result of a seizure.
This startling data, gathered as part of a survey we conducted in March and April 2023, lays bare the challenges facing people with epilepsy who often suffer severe damage to their teeth as a result of their medical condition.
That is why the Epilepsy Society has launched FixIt4Free, our campaign calling for free dental repairs for people who have damaged teeth during a seizure.
What is FixIt4Free?
Simply put: we are calling for free treatment for dental repairs after seizures.
Having heard many stories over the years from our supporters about the prohibitive cost of dental repair, we decided something needed to be done. While the NHS does have some payment exemptions for dental treatment – notably for pregnant women and under 18s in England/under 26s in Scotland – there are currently no medical exemptions. Programmes such as the NHS Low Income Scheme cover costs for some people, although only the very lowest earners. 82 per cent of our survey respondents are not eligible for this scheme.
We have already been in discussions with the team of the Chief Dental Officer for England, representatives from the Department of Health and Social Care, MPs and leading members of the Scottish Parliament. For this campaign to be successful we need to lobby senior politicians and decision-makers, while also building a grassroots movement.
We want you to join us! Write to your MP, share our infographic on social media, read our personal stories and perhaps consider sending us your own thoughts on free dental treatment.
You can reach out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or on campaigns@epilepsysociety.org.uk
Too scared to smile
Toby, Hampshire:
"I am angry that I am forced to pay for something – repairs to my damaged teeth – that I have no control over. My teeth are ruined. I don’t want my confidence to be ruined too.”
Conor, Dorset:
"The damage to my teeth is through no fault of my own. It is because of my medical condition: epilepsy. Why should someone like me, who has damaged numerous teeth during seizures, be punished for my disability."
Hayley, Norfolk:
"I strongly believe that there should be better treatment options available for people with epilepsy, to help us be able to deal with the constant and reoccurring dental issues caused by our seizures."
Latest updates
Labour's dental reforms must include people with epilepsy
Epilepsy Society has welcomed Labour’s pledge to tackle the NHS dental health care crisis but has warned that reforms must include a medical exemption for people with epilepsy who damage their teeth during a seizure.
Second job to fund tooth
subtitle: #FixIt4Free
Abbie Smith was 23 when she “face-planted” a chest of drawers in the course of a seizure. She lost a tooth and had to take on a second job to fund its replacement.
Time to #FixIt4Free
The Epilepsy Society is today calling for the NHS to provide free dental repairs to teeth damaged by seizures.
Tell your MP to #FixIt4Free
We are urging you to write to your MP and ask them to support free dental repairs to teeth damaged by seizures.
Too scared to smile
subtitle: #FixIt4Free
Losing teeth due to a seizure can not only ruin a smile, it can risk ruining confidence too. In the latest in our #FixIt4Free personal stories, we learn how Toby's life changed after a series of seizures.
Six extractions but no replacements
subtitle: #FixIt4Free
A man from Dorset has had to have six teeth extracted due to his epileptic seizures – but the NHS is not willing to provide financial support to get them replaced.
Dental injuries "because of my epilepsy - not accidents"
subtitle: #FixIt4Free
Hayley's life turned on its head when she started having seizures five years ago. One unexpected, major consequence of her epilepsy is the array of dental problems it has caused.