The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the private dentistry sector following a 23% increase in prices, raising concerns about potential breaches of consumer law. This investigation into UK dental prices comes as thousands of dentists are progressively leaving NHS contracts, citing inadequate remuneration for procedures. The CMA’s probe will focus on whether private dental providers are exploiting a lack of competition to inflate costs for patients.
The rising cost of dental care is impacting individuals across the UK, particularly those who can no longer access NHS dental services. The British Dental Association (BDA) has reported that over one in four adults are struggling to access NHS dental care, a situation exacerbated by the increasing number of dentists opting out of the NHS system. The government announced reforms in July 2025 aimed at prioritizing urgent and complex needs within the NHS, but these changes have yet to fully address the access crisis. The CMA investigation seeks to determine if the shift towards private dentistry is contributing to unfair pricing practices.
NHS Dentistry in Crisis: Why Dentists Are Leaving
A primary driver behind the investigation is the growing exodus of dentists from NHS contracts. Dentists are increasingly abandoning NHS contracts because the assigned fees for numerous procedures do not cover costs, leading to financial unsustainability for many practices. The current dental contract system, according to the BDA, fails to adequately reflect the true cost of providing care. This has resulted in a situation where dentists are incentivized to focus on private patients who can afford higher fees.
The government has proposed changes to the NHS dental contract, including a new ‘time-limited care pathway’ for patients with higher needs, as announced on July 8, 2025. These reforms aim to incentivize dentists to deliver more NHS work and address the foundations of dentistry. Key proposals include mandated unscheduled care, with a nationally-set payment of £70 for each course of treatment, and new pathways for patients with significant dental decay or gum disease. However, the BDA and other stakeholders argue that these changes do not go far enough to address the systemic issues plaguing NHS dentistry.
CMA Investigation: What to Expect
The CMA’s investigation will examine several key areas, including the structure of the private dentistry market, the pricing strategies of major providers, and the barriers to entry for new competitors. The authority will assess whether private dental companies are engaging in anti-competitive practices, such as price fixing or collusion, that are driving up costs for consumers. The CMA has the power to impose fines on companies found to be in breach of competition law and can as well require them to change their business practices.
The investigation will also consider the impact of the decline in NHS dentistry on the private sector. As more patients are forced to seek private care, demand increases, potentially allowing private providers to raise prices without fear of losing customers. The CMA will analyze whether this dynamic is contributing to the observed price increases.
New NHS Contract Reforms
The proposed NHS contract reforms, announced by the Department of Health and Social Care, include several key changes. These include a requirement for dental practices to provide unscheduled care for patients experiencing urgent oral health issues, such as infections or broken teeth. Practices will receive a payment of £70 for each course of unscheduled care delivered, as well as £5 for setting aside appointment time, even if the patient doesn’t attend. The government hopes this will disincentivize quick fixes like antibiotics and encourage more comprehensive treatment. More information on the reforms can be found on the GOV.UK website.
three new care pathways are proposed for patients with significant dental decay and/or gum disease, with standardized fees for treatment. The government also intends to require newly qualified dentists to work in the NHS for a minimum of three years to boost the number of available appointments.
Impact on Patients and Future Outlook
The rising cost of dental care and the limited availability of NHS appointments are placing a significant financial burden on individuals and families. Many are being forced to delay or forgo necessary treatment, which can lead to more serious health problems down the line. The CMA’s investigation is a welcome step towards addressing these concerns, but it remains to be seen whether it will be enough to bring down prices and improve access to care.
The investigation is expected to take several months to complete. The CMA will publish its findings and any proposed remedies in due course. In the meantime, patients are encouraged to shop around for the best prices and to explore all available options, including NHS dental services if they are eligible. Further guidance on the NHS dental contracting framework is available on the NHS England website.
The next key date to watch is the conclusion of the CMA’s investigation, with findings expected in late 2026. The outcome will likely shape the future of dental care provision in the UK.
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