It was with astonishment, absolute astonishment, that I was charged $270 for the dental work my child had done on Nov. 22.

During my child’s routine exam earlier in the month I was informed by the hygienist that she had one small cavity (no anesthetic would be required) and another spot that was questionable and might need only a sealant. So you can imagine my dismay when I was charged such a large sum of money for what I had been led to believe were going to be minor services.

Our family does not have dental insurance as my husband works for a small firm. Neither do we qualify for low- income assistance that would contribute to dental care. We, like so many others, are stuck in the middle.

Since dental hygiene is such an important part of overall good health, I implore all dentists to do their part to make it affordable to the average income and below- average income family.

Dental care should not have to be a privilege for only those who can afford it.

Cynthia G. Dixon, Avon