Reeves has asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to launch a market study into “private dentistry costs and practices” amid concern over sharp price rises. Research cited by the Financial Times found patients were paying up to 32% more for private procedures in 2024 compared with 2022, with the average cost of a tooth extraction rising to £139 and a white filling to £129.
Reeves calls for urgent action
Announcing her request to the CMA, Reeves said:
“The scourge of hidden costs, lack of transparency and overtreatment has blighted families in need of dental treatment for too long. That’s why I want to see urgent action taken to help reduce prices, whilst the cost of living still puts pressure on families across the country.”
A CMA spokesperson confirmed they “welcome the request” and will develop a proposal for their board, noting that “this is an important market that needs to work well for consumers.”
BDA: “Utterly perverse”
The British Dental Association (BDA) responded angrily, arguing that private fees have risen because of surging overheads, including higher national insurance contributions and inflation in essential supplies.
BDA Chair Eddie Crouch said:
“This call for an investigation is utterly perverse. The Chancellor is singling out private dentists for doing what any business does: covering their costs, some of which are of the Chancellor’s own making. At the same time, she’s very happy to starve NHS services of vital funding. We’d remind her that profits from private care are all that are keeping NHS dentistry afloat.”
The BDA estimates private fees have increased by an average of 13.8% over the past four years, while cumulative inflation since 2021 has reached 24.5%. It warned that many NHS treatments are delivered at a financial loss, with practices cross-subsidising NHS work to the tune of £330m from private income.
Shortage of dentists and NHS contract pressures
Trade bodies have pointed to a shortage of dentists and rising demand as factors driving private costs. The Association of Dental Groups said inflationary pressures are “bound to be felt across the sector” without a significant increase in new dentists.
Dentists have also highlighted flaws in the NHS dental contract, which pays practices set fees for “units of dental activity” regardless of complexity. This system has left many struggling to cover costs, with simple check-ups remunerated at the same rate as complex procedures such as root canal surgery.
Welsh Government position
In Wales, ministers have introduced a new NHS dental contract aimed at reform, but dentists have warned it amounts to “superficial repairs” rather than meaningful change. As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, practitioners have urged the Welsh Government to listen to concerns about funding shortfalls, the sustainability of high street practices, and the growing crisis of DIY dentistry among patients unable to access care.
What happens next
The CMA is now considering whether to proceed with a full inquiry into private dental pricing. Any findings would apply UK-wide, potentially reshaping the balance between NHS and private provision.
Meanwhile, dentists continue to press for urgent investment in NHS services, with a petition backed by over 120,000 signatures calling on ministers to fill the £1.5bn funding gap needed to restore access to millions of patients.
