The UK’s competition regulator has launched a major investigation into the country’s £8 billion private dentistry sector, amid growing concern that patients are being pushed toward expensive private care because of long NHS waiting times for dental treatment. The review by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will examine whether pricing, competition and transparency in the private dental market are working fairly for consumers.

Officials say the study will analyse trends in treatment prices, assess whether dental practices engage in unfair or anti-competitive behaviour and evaluate how patients navigate the increasingly complex dental care market. The CMA will also gather evidence from consumers and dental professionals to understand whether the system is delivering good value and sufficient transparency. The investigation comes at a time when NHS dental services are under intense pressure, with many patients reporting difficulty finding appointments and waiting times reaching record levels.

NHS dental access crisis driving shift to private care

Access to NHS dentistry has deteriorated significantly in recent years, pushing many patients to seek treatment privately. One estimate suggests one in five people in Great Britain used private dental care in 2024, often because they could not secure an NHS appointment. The shift is also reflected in market data. Private dental services now account for around two-thirds of the UK dentistry market, highlighting the growing reliance on privately funded treatment.

Health experts warn that this transition could widen inequalities in access to oral healthcare, particularly for low-income patients who cannot easily afford private treatment. The issue has wider public health implications. According to NHS data, tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine in England, underscoring the importance of accessible preventative dental care.

Rising prices raise consumer protection concerns

The CMA’s investigation has been prompted partly by evidence of significant price increases in private dental services. Recent data indicates that the average cost of an initial consultation rose by more than 23 per cent between 2022 and 2024, reaching around £80. Meanwhile, routine check-ups increased by more than 14 per cent to about £55. Other procedures have seen even steeper rises. For example, tooth extraction fees reportedly increased by around 32 per cent over the same period.

Regulators say these increases have raised questions about whether patients receive clear information about treatment costs before committing to care. Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said that many patients may struggle to understand pricing structures or compare providers. She noted that while some people choose private dentistry for convenience, for many others “turning to private dentistry is a necessity”.

Investigation to assess competition and transparency

The CMA study will examine several aspects of the private dental market. These include how easily patients can compare providers, whether treatment pricing is transparent, and whether market consolidation among dental chains affects competition.

In recent years the sector has seen growing consolidation, with thousands of dental practices becoming part of larger corporate groups. Analysts say this trend may reduce competition in some local markets, making it harder for patients to switch providers once registered with a practice. The regulator will also review complaint procedures and mechanisms for redress when patients believe they have been overcharged or misinformed about treatment options. Dental professionals have argued that the growth of private dentistry is not driven solely by profit motives but also by structural funding problems within NHS dentistry.

The British Dental Association (BDA) has warned that NHS contracts often fail to cover the cost of delivering care, forcing practices to rely on private treatments to remain financially viable. Some dentists reportedly subsidise NHS work with income generated from private patients. According to the BDA, the NHS dental system requires substantial reform to make public provision sustainable and ensure that dentists remain willing to offer NHS services.

Implications for health policy and digital transparency

The CMA’s review may ultimately lead to regulatory changes, new guidance on pricing transparency or further competition investigations within the sector. A final report is expected by March 2027. Health technology experts say digital tools could play a role in improving transparency for patients. Online price comparison platforms, digital booking systems and integrated health records may help patients better understand treatment options and costs before committing to care.

However, the underlying challenge remains access to affordable dental treatment within the NHS. As the CMA begins its market study, policymakers will be watching closely to determine whether regulatory reforms alone can improve patient choice—or whether deeper structural changes to NHS dentistry will be required to restore equitable access to oral healthcare across the UK.

‍