The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a comprehensive review of the private dentistry market in the UK, focusing on both essential and cosmetic dental care. This review aims to gather insights from consumers and dental professionals to evaluate how well the market is functioning, particularly in terms of accessibility, pricing, and consumer experiences.

With a significant rise in demand for private dental services—1 in 5 people in Great Britain utilized private care in 2024—the CMA is concerned about the clarity and accessibility of information available to consumers. The review will explore various aspects, including the availability of services, consumer choice, treatment pricing, and the competitive landscape among dental practices.

The CMA has published a proposed scope for the study and is inviting feedback on several key areas: access to private dentistry, consumer experiences, price changes, business practices, competition among dentists, complaint mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks. The aim is to ensure that consumers have the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding their dental care.

Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, emphasized the importance of clear information for consumers, stating that while private dentistry may be a choice for some, it is a necessity for many. The CMA's study will consider regional differences in dental care access and will collaborate with all four UK governments throughout the process.

As part of this initiative, the CMA has also released advice for consumers on how to navigate private dental care, including tips on comparing services, understanding costs, and exploring treatment options. The outcomes of the review could lead to recommendations for regulatory changes, direct actions by the CMA, or new guidance for dental practices.