The competition watchdog has launched a review of private dentistry following concerns about surging prices, access to services and competition across the sector.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is looking to pool views from both dentists and consumers to ensure it’s working effectively for customers.
It comes after the chancellor Rachel Reeves called for an investigation to look at practices across the market in November.
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The use of private dentistry has risen sharply in recent years, with one in five people in Britain using private dental care in 2024, with the market valued at £8.4 billion in 2023/24, according to the CMA.
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Many people are going private as they struggle to access treatment through the NHS. Some pockets of the UK have been described by politicians as “dental deserts” due to the lack of readily available NHS dentists.
Concerns have been raised over the surging cost of private dental care at a time when consumers are already struggling with the cost of living.
Between 2022 and 2024, the cost of simple tooth extractions jumped by 32% from £105 to £139, according to MyTribe Insurance, which provides information about private healthcare and insurance.
Filling implants rose from £105 to £129 (23%) while root canal treatment went up from £350 to £400 (14%).
What will the private dentistry review look at?
The review, which dental professionals and consumers have until 19 March to respond to, is seeking views on a range of questions. The main ones are:
- Access to private dentistry: The availability of private dental services in different areas, and how easily people can switch between providers.
- Consumer choice and experience: How people search for dental care, compare providers, and understand the information they receive from dental professionals – including how experiences may vary for different consumer groups, such as vulnerable individuals.
- Treatment prices: How prices for private dental services have changed compared with inflation.
- Business tactics and behaviour: Whether dentists engage in any practices that may be unfair, misleading or anti‑competitive that could harm consumers or limit their choice.
- Competition between private dentists: How dental practices compete to attract and retain patients, and whether competition is leading to good results for consumers on pricing and experience.
- Complaint and redress mechanisms: Whether people can easily raise concerns or seek redress when things go wrong.
- Sector regulation: Whether the regulatory frameworks – and how they are enforced – support good outcomes for consumers, including access to clear information.
Depending on responses received during the review, new regulation could be brought in for the private dentistry sector or new guidance could be introduced so dental practices have clear rules to stick to. It could also be used to shape future policy across the UK.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “We’re concerned many may be uncertain about costs, availability, treatment options and what they’re entitled to.
“For some, turning to private dentistry is a choice – but for many, it’s a necessity. People need clear, accessible information at the right time so they can make the right decisions for themselves and their families.”
A spokesperson for the British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD), which represents private dentists, said: “[We] are aware of CMA review into private dentistry and are happy to represent their members whilst this review is taking place, in order to ensure the CMA is as fully informed as it can be about the workings of this vital sector of healthcare.
“We welcome the survey/study and are more than willing to contribute to it. We encourage the profession to do so as with greater participation the more informed the CMA will be.”
How to cut dentistry costs
There are ways you can cut the cost of private dental care now while awaiting the outcome of the review.
Opt for a cheaper clinic
Private dental clinics don’t always charge the same price for treatments, so it’s worth researching all the practices in your local area to find out which one is the cheapest.
Customers in the South West or East of England typically pay the most for treatment, while patients in Scotland and Northern Ireland pay the least, according to research by MyTribe Insurance.
You might not want to relocate just to get access to cheaper dental care, but you could save money choosing one clinic over another in your area.
Dental plans
A dental plan, like Bupa Smile or Denplan, charges a monthly fee and entitles you to regular check-ups and sessions with a hygienist. Typically, plans cost between £10 to £30 per month.
Depending on your plan and dental centre, you might be able to get discounted rates on extra treatments like fillings and crowns too.
Jenny Ross, editor of consumer champion Which? Money, said paying a monthly fee for a dental plan “not only spreads the cost but encourages regular visits, helping to prevent more expensive problems later”.
Dental insurance
Dental insurance can be cost-effective if you’re someone who doesn’t have great dental health. It likely won’t be necessary if you only really need to visit the dentist once a year for a routine check-up.
Policies typically cost between £70 to £300 per year, according to the MoneyHelper website, but won’t cover cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening.
Dental insurance can be a cheaper option than a dental plan, particularly if you expect to need major dental work like crowns, root canals or implants.
Try a dental school clinic
Some hospitals and UK dental schools offer treatments to members of the public at a lower cost or sometimes for free, although most ask that you’ve had a referral from a dentist or doctor.
The Association of Dental Hospitals, the trade body for UK and Republic of Ireland dental hospitals, has a list of all the schools that offer such a service on its website, including Newcastle Dental Hospital, Guys and St Thomas Hospital in London and the Leeds Dental Institute.
The level of service on offer varies, but generally you’ll be treated by a student dentist who is supervised by a more senior member of staff.
