A PENSIONER from Burnham-on-Sea has been left 'completely at a loss' after being charged an extortionate price for a filling at his local dentist which recently went private.

The man, who is 83-years-old, was charged £155 for an emergency filling at Parkfield Dental Practice in Berrow.

He explained that despite being a customer at Parkfield for over ten years, he was given only two options after the surgery decided to go private.

“They wrote to tell us they were going private and to give us two choices," he said.

“To take up one of their plans or go pay as you go."

He said he was left 'completely at a loss' by the price, and can't afford to go back for another filling he needs.

“I didn’t realise it was going to be £155 for a filling," he said.

“We’re pensioners and we don’t have that much money.

“There’s no NHS dentist at all in Burnham - we’re completely at a loss now."

“I’ll have to be in agony before I go – I just can’t afford to go.

He added: “I left school at 15, and I’ve paid into the national health service right the way through until I retired.

“The one time I want something back, I can’t get it.”

Parkfield Dental Practice did not respond to a request for comment from the Weekly News.

NHS Somerset apologised for the difficulties experienced by the local pensioner.

A spokesperson said: “NHS Somerset took on responsibility for the commissioning of NHS dental services on 1 April 2023.

"Our dental commissioning team, who oversee NHS dental services in Somerset, continue to work with local dental providers to try to address the shortfall in NHS dental services.

"We have a range of actions that are underway, both to increase availability of NHS dental appointments, and programmes for preventative care to help people who are currently without a dentist maintain their oral health. 

“We understand that the respondent contacted practices to try and find a NHS dentist locally, and we are sorry this has been difficult.

"Practices providing NHS treatment are listed on www.nhs.uk. 

"We recommend patients periodically continue to check on the NHS website as dentists may open up space for NHS patients or appointments may become available."