UK Competition and Markets Authority launches £8bn private dentistry market study amid price concerns.

The CMA will examine price inflation, competition, and consumer complaints in a sector where private dental care now accounts for two-thirds of the market. Prices for procedures like tooth extraction rose 32% between 2022 and 2024, while consultations jumped 23%. This comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves requested the review, highlighting mounting public anxiety over costs and NHS waiting times that have pushed many towards private care despite a record 47,022 registered dentists in England. NHS waiting lists for dentist appointments have reached record highs, contributing to a surge in children being admitted to hospital for tooth decay.

While the number of dentists has increased annually since 2022, concerns persist that practitioners are increasingly prioritizing private work. The CMA's investigation, mandated to conclude by March 2027, could lead to regulatory changes, a deeper market probe, or new guidance to improve transparency and value for consumers. The study aims to determine if the market is exploiting NHS delays to inflate prices, potentially reshaping how private dental care operates in the UK.