Britain’s private dentistry sector, valued at £8 billion, is under investigation due to rising prices affecting patients. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported a significant increase in treatment costs in recent years. According to the CMA, the average cost of an initial private consultation surged by more than 23% to £80 between 2022 and 2024. Similarly, routine check-ups for existing patients saw a rise of over 14% to £55, while the price for a simple tooth extraction, a common procedure, increased by a third to £139 over the same period.
Comparatively, prices in private practices are notably higher than those in the NHS. For instance, a “Band 1” treatment, which includes a routine dental appointment, costs £27.50, while “Band 2” treatments, covering fillings and root canal work, are priced at £75.30.
The CMA initiated a market study following concerns raised by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in November. Private practices constitute nearly 70% of the UK’s annual dentistry market exceeding £12 billion. Out of over 12,000 dentistry practices in the country, about 2,000 belong to large corporations with over 30 locations each, while the majority, over 8,000, are independent entities.
Only 15% of practices exclusively provide NHS services, while nearly a fifth operate solely on a private basis, with the remaining offering a mix of both. The CMA’s findings revealed that one in five individuals in Britain sought private dental care in 2024, primarily due to challenges in accessing NHS dental treatment.
Amid concerns over escalating dental costs, reports have surfaced of individuals resorting to “DIY dentistry,” including self-extraction of teeth. Initiatives like the Mirror’s Dentists for All campaign advocate for universal access to NHS dentists. However, over 12 million people, representing more than a quarter of adults in England, faced obstacles in obtaining NHS dental care.
The CMA’s investigation encompasses essential care and cosmetic treatments, seeking input from patients and dental professionals to assess the functionality of the market in terms of accessibility, pricing transparency, and consumer rights. Sarah Cardell, CMA’s chief executive, emphasized the importance of clear and timely information for individuals to make informed decisions regarding dental care.
Rachel Reeves, in advocating for a review, highlighted concerns over hidden costs and lack of transparency in the dental sector, stressing the need for immediate actions to alleviate financial burdens on families. The CMA’s review aims to evaluate the market dynamics for consumers’ benefit, potentially leading to regulatory adjustments or interventions by national governments.
Healthcare insurance experts MyTribe’s data, cited by the CMA, indicated price hikes in various dental procedures at private practices. Eddie Crouch, chair of the British Dental Association, emphasized the significance of private dentistry in providing quality care, expressing intentions to clarify the sector’s operations to the CMA.
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