I FEEL I must write to notify you of my complete disgust at the charges of private dental care.

As it is almost impossible to get dental treatment on the NHS, I visited the dentist for treatment and was disgusted at the charges.

First visit - check up and x-ray £37.50.

Second visit - filling, cost £37.50.

Third visit - another filling, £80.

I have another appointment for a scale and polish which will cost £30.

How can these charges be justified, especially one filling for £80.

Earning £180 per week, with a house to run, going to the dentist is a luxury to be saved for.

I have also received a letter from the Inland Revenue asking me to voluntarily top up my National Insurance contributions for time I was off sick for two months, or I may not receive my full state pension. If I was unemployed my contributions would be paid.

Please someone, tell me what do we pay our National Insurance for, and when is the government going to do something about the exorbitant prices that private dentists charge?

The normal working person can no longer afford such luxuries as a trip to the dentist.

Maureen Atkinson

Bolton