Overview
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves has asked the Competition and Markets Authority to examine the private dental market through a potential market study.
- The CMA said it welcomes the request and will develop a specific proposal for its board before deciding whether to launch a study.
- The Treasury cited concerns about hidden costs, overtreatment, and limited information on price, ownership, and treatment quality for patients.
- Healthwatch England reported that about one in eight parents could register a child with an NHS dentist only if they agreed to be private patients.
- Independent analysis shows private treatment prices have risen 14% to 32% since 2022, with examples such as white fillings up to £129 and root canals costing several hundred pounds compared with NHS band 2 fees of £75.30.