Demand for private dentistry has risen sharply in recent years – one in five people in Great Britain used private dental care in 2024. Independent sources suggest average prices in the UK have increased significantly – between 2022 and 2024, initial consultations rose by over 23% to £80, and routine check-ups for existing patients by over 14% to £55. Private dental services accounted for over two-thirds (69%) of the market in 2025, with the UK private dentistry market valued at £8.4bn in 2023/2024. Research suggests this shift is partly driven by difficulties accessing NHS treatment.

The CMA has published the proposed scope of the study and is inviting views. Areas under consideration include:

• Access to private dentistry: The availability of private dental services in different areas, and how easily people can switch between providers
• Consumer choice and experience: How people search for dental care, compare providers, and understand the information they receive from dental professionals – including how experiences may vary for different consumer groups, such as vulnerable individuals
• Treatment prices: How prices for private dental services have changed compared with inflation
• Business tactics and behaviour: Whether dentists engage in any practices that may be unfair, misleading or anti‑competitive that could harm consumers or limit their choice
• Competition between private dentists: How dental practices compete to attract and retain patients, and whether competition is leading to good results for consumers on pricing, and experience
• Complaint and redress mechanisms: Whether people can easily raise concerns or seek redress when things go wrong
• Sector regulation: Whether the regulatory frameworks – and how they are enforced – support good outcomes for consumers, including access to clear information.

Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the CMA, said: ‘Going to the dentist is an important part of health and wellbeing, yet we're concerned many may be uncertain about costs, availability, treatment options and what they're entitled to.

‘For some, turning to private dentistry is a choice – but for many, it's a necessity. People need clear, accessible information at the right time so they can make the right decisions for themselves and their families.

‘We want to hear directly from people across the UK about their experiences – good or bad – to help us build a clear picture of how this market is working in practice.

‘The CMA recognises the dedication and professionalism of dental professionals across the UK, and this study is not a criticism of clinicians or the care they provide, but an examination of how the market is working for consumers.'

The CMA has published online forms for consumers and dental professionals to share their experiences, as well as a separate call for views on the proposed scope of the study. This feedback will help shape the areas to be examined. While the study will not examine NHS dentistry on its own, it will consider how NHS systems influence the private market, including the impact on people's choices and treatment availability.

Depending on what the evidence shows, the CMA's market study could lead to a range of outcomes – ultimately aiming to ensure people have access to detailed, clear and timely information, enabling them to make the best possible choices for them.

This could include recommendations to governments to change regulation of the sector, direct action from the CMA, or new guidance to help ensure businesses are clear on their obligations. The review may also help inform or shape future policy in the different nations of the UK.

Meanwhile, the BBC has learnt that dentists in England are returning hundreds of millions of pounds a year to the government for unfulfilled NHS care. Over the past two years, more than £900m has been handed back - £1 out of every £7 they have been paid - as dentists instead prioritise private work.

Under the NHS contract, dentists agree how much NHS work they are going to provide during the year and receive monthly payments from the health service for that. If a dental practice underdelivers – classed as below 96% of the contract value – the NHS then recoups money from practices the following year.