The competition regulator has launched a market study into the £8 billion private dentistry sector following the intervention of the chancellor.
The Competition and Markets Authority has announced that it has launched a review of private dentistry, looking at both essential care and cosmetic treatments.
The review, which could lead to a full competition investigation, follows an increase in the number of patients using private dental care amid difficulties accessing NHS treatment and a jump in prices.
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A fifth of people used private dental care in 2024, and the average prices for initial consultations increased by 23 per cent to £80 between 2022 and 2024, according to the CMA, with routine check-ups rising 14 per cent to £55.
The review comes after Rachel Reeves wrote to the heads of the CMA in November, calling on the regulator to consider launching a study.
The chancellor asked the CMA to look at the effectiveness of competition between private dentistry providers, including at a local level, and “the ability of consumers to make effective choices and obtain good value for money”.
The chancellor’s intervention triggered sharp criticism from the BDA, which represents dentists, calling it “utterly perverse” and of “starving the NHS services of vital funding”.
The BDA argued private practices have had to cover significant increases in overheads following the chancellor’s first budget in November 2024.
It is estimated that private fees have increased at an average of 13.8 per cent over the past four years, whilst the costs of delivering care have increased “by as much in a single year”.
It has warned against introducing a national tariff, saying private dentistry is “never one size fits all”, and private treatment often uses techniques and materials unavailable on the NHS.
Private dental services accounted for more than two-thirds, 69 per cent, of the market last year, and the market was valued at £8.4 billion in 2023-2024.
Bridgepoint, the FTSE 250-listed private equity group, bought Mydentist, the UK’s largest dentistry chain with more than 500 surgeries, last year. PortmanDentex, the UK’s second largest chain with more than 300 dentists, is owned by Core Equity Holdings, another private equity group.
The CMA is seeking feedback from consumers and dental professionals.
The regulator said it is “crucial that consumers understand the dental care options available to them and have access to clear information before they spend money, but many may find choosing a dentist, and choosing between different treatments, complex and confusing”.
The study will look into prices, business “tactics and behaviour”, competition, regulation and complaints handling.
Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: “Going to the dentist is an important part of health and wellbeing, yet 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.
The regulator, whose recent investigation into the veterinary services industry provoked tensions in the industry at a time of staff shortages, said it “recognises the dedication and professionalism of dental professionals across the UK” and the study “is not a criticism of clinicians or the care they provide, but an examination of how the market is working for consumers”.