The UK’s competition watchdog has initiated a review of the £8bn private dentistry market after prices for consultations surged by nearly 25% over two years. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced its investigation, citing concerns about rising costs and consumer uncertainty regarding treatment options and availability.
Key Takeaways
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the private dentistry market following significant price increases for consultations and routine check-ups. The review aims to ensure the market is working well for consumers, as many people turn to private services due to limited access to NHS dental care.
The CMA stated that demand for private dental services has risen sharply in recent years, with one in five people in Great Britain seeking private care due to limited access to NHS treatments. The regulator highlighted independent price data showing that the cost of an initial consultation increased by over 23% to £80 between 2022 and 2024, while routine check-ups for existing patients rose by more than 14% to £55.
The review comes against a backdrop of a struggling NHS dental service. Many dentists are opting out of NHS-funded work because the fees do not cover their costs, according to the British Dental Association (BDA). The Guardian reported cases of people resorting to pulling their own teeth due to the inability to access emergency dental care in England.
The CMA emphasized that the review is not a criticism of clinicians or the quality of care they provide but aims to examine how well the market serves consumers. Sarah Cardell, the CMA chief executive, noted that many individuals may be uncertain about costs and treatment options when turning to private dentistry out of necessity rather than choice.
The private dental sector accounts for over two-thirds of the UK market, valued at £8.4bn in 2025. Chancellor Rachel Reeves urged the CMA to conduct this review in November 2025 as part of efforts to ease the cost of living. The investigation will focus on issues such as finding a dentist, understanding prices, and accessing urgent treatment.
The BDA expressed willingness to assist the CMA in understanding the complexities of delivering private dentistry. Dentists with NHS contracts are reportedly providing care at a loss, relying on private activity to break even. The BDA has criticized the government’s call for an investigation into pricing practices as a distraction from its failure to properly fund NHS care.
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