Competition Watchdog Reviews Private Dentistry Amid Rising Costs
The UK’s competition regulator has initiated a review of the £8 billion private dentistry sector following a near 25% increase in consultation fees over two years.
In 2024, one in five individuals in Great Britain sought private dental treatment, partly due to limited access to NHS dental services. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced the investigation, emphasizing its aim to ensure the market is "working well for UK consumers."
The CMA highlighted dentistry’s essential role in public health and wellbeing, noting a sharp rise in demand for private dental services in recent years. Independent pricing data revealed significant price increases during this period.
Between 2022 and 2024, the average cost of an initial dental consultation rose by over 23% to £80. Routine check-ups for existing patients increased by more than 14%, reaching £55.
The CMA clarified that the review is "not a criticism of clinicians or the care they provide, but an examination of how the market is working for consumers."
NHS Dentistry Challenges and Private Sector Growth
The private dental market operates alongside an NHS service facing significant challenges. According to the British Dental Association (BDA), many dentists are withdrawing from NHS contracts because fees for numerous procedures fail to cover operational costs. Last year, reported instances of individuals being turned away due to lack of access to emergency dental care in England.
With an increasing number of Britons turning to private dental providers, CMA Chief Executive Sarah Cardell expressed concern that many patients may be uncertain about treatment costs, availability, options, and entitlements.
"For some, turning to private dentistry is a choice – but for many, it’s a necessity," said Cardell. "We want to hear directly from people across the UK about their experiences – good or bad – to help us build a clear picture of how this market is working in practice."
Private dental services accounted for over two-thirds of the market in 2025, with the UK industry valued at approximately £8.4 billion. In November 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves called on the CMA to investigate the sector to help alleviate the cost-of-living pressures, citing issues such as "hidden costs, lack of transparency and overtreatment."
Scope of the CMA Review and Industry Response
The CMA’s review will examine factors including how patients find dentists, understand pricing, and access urgent care. The authority has also launched a consumer guide to assist individuals when selecting and paying for dental treatment.
While the CMA emphasized that the review is not a critique of dental clinicians or the quality of care, it acknowledged that the investigation could result in regulatory changes or direct interventions in the industry.
The BDA pledged to assist the CMA in comprehending the "complex realities of delivering private dentistry." The association noted that many NHS contracts are financially unviable, with the service depending on a cross-subsidy exceeding £400 million annually from private dental activity to break even.
The BDA has previously characterized the government’s request for a pricing investigation as a pretext for its failure to adequately fund NHS dental care.
Eddie Crouch, BDA Chair, stated, "We intend to spell out the facts. These are services delivering high-quality, cost-effective care that millions of families really value. Those left without options, who have felt forced to go private, are there entirely because of choices made by the Treasury."
