Chancellor Rachel Reeves has asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to consider opening a market study into the private dentistry market.
Reeves in her letter to the CMA requests that the regulator launches the study of private provision in the dentistry market recognising that those services play an important role in the UK healthcare system - helping people to live longer and healthier lives.
The request also asks the CMA to consider the ‘effectiveness of competition between private dentistry providers’ at a local level, and the ‘ability of consumers to make effective choices and obtain good value for money’.
Market studies are a useful tool in the CMA’s armoury, allowing them to work flexibly, and gather evidence in order to assess whether competition is working well in the relevant market. They can be burdensome on business, particularly if the CMA uses its statutory information gathering powers; and outcomes can range from advice to government and/or business, recommendations for specific changes, or referral for further in-depth investigation and possible remedies.
Access to NHS dentistry is becoming increasingly difficult, with more patients turning to private treatment - raising concerns that they may be paying more than necessary. Research published by myTribe Insurance in December 2024 reveals a 32.38% increase in the cost of simple non-surgical extractions between 2022 and 2024, alongside a 23.08% rise in the price of initial consultations for new patients.
Although the CMA must now decide independently whether to open a market study, it seems likely that that they will agree with the Chancellor that something needs to be done. The CMA has welcomed the Chancellor’s request, stating that ‘this is an important market that needs to work well for consumers.’ In its response, the CMA explained that it has already begun exploratory work, including discussions with government officials, to assess the merits of further action. The CMA then plans to develop a detailed proposal for consideration by its board.
The Government’s 10-year vision for NHS dentistry sets out a bold ambition to build a dental system that is transparent, accessible and fit for the future. Key plans include a new dental contract designed to improve access, rewarding prevention, and empowering the dental workforce. However, dentists have raised concerns about the NHS dental contract which they say has contributed to long waiting lists.
Neil Carmichael, executive chair of the Association of Dental Groups, said: ‘Without a significant increase in new dentists, consequential inflationary pressures are bound to be felt across the sector.’
‘Many ADG members have already found recent increases in national insurance and costs for essential supplies to be difficult to absorb.’
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