Government calls for study into private dental costs amid myTribe data showing soaring prices
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has formally asked the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to look into private dentistry costs and practices, citing concerns about hidden charges, a lack of transparency and overtreatment.
The call for a market study of private provision in the dentistry market follows the independent research into private dental charges we published earlier this year. The findings made for stark reading and painted a clear picture of a sector under pressure, with consumers appearing to bear the brunt.
Across the 483 private dental practices in the UK that we surveyed, we identified steep increases in the cost of everyday treatments, with average prices up to 32% higher than just two years previously.
Rising costs and growing public concern
Our private dental treatment study, which analysed prices from private dental practices across the country, clearly shows why the Government is taking this issue seriously. It found:
- The average cost of a non-surgical tooth extraction has climbed 32% since 2022
- The average cost of a white filling has risen 23%
- The price of an initial consultation for new private patients has increased by 23%
- There are wide variations in prices regionally, with some areas charging up to 80% more than others for the same dental treatment
Of course, these rises in the cost of private dentistry haven’t happened overnight or in insolation. They have followed years of mounting issues within both the NHS and private dentistry, and criticism that the Government itself has underfunded NHS dentistry.
There are several key factors driving some of the price increases we have uncovered. The problem partly lies in the shortage of dentists, particularly in rural and coastal areas. According to data from the Office for National Statistics 85% of new adult patients couldn’t access NHS dental care in May 2025, rising to as high as 97% in some areas of England. With NHS availability so limited, demand for private dentistry has naturally soared.
Increased operating costs for dental practices, from staffing to materials, has also played a role. However, it is worth noting that our most recent research into private dental treatment costs was carried out before April’s increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, which has added further financial pressure to practice budgets. The impact of this additional cost pressure will only be reflected in private dental treatment prices when we publish our next round of data in early 2026. It means that costs are likely to be even higher by the time the CMA market study begins.
The heavier reliance on private income from dentists to offset the shortcomings of the NHS dental contract is also often seen as a driver pushing prices upward.
The result is that more patients are facing not only steeper bills, but also have fewer alternatives. As NHS waiting lists grow, private care has become the default option for many, whether they can comfortably afford it or not.
What the CMA will be looking at
The government now appears to accept that it can no longer stand by and that some form of intervention may be needed. In her letter to the CMA asking it to launch a study of private provision in the dentistry market, the Chancellor highlighted three core issues:
- Whether competition between private dental providers is working effectively, including at a local level
- Whether consumers can make effective choices about their dental treatment
- Whether patients are getting good value for their money
These concerns mirror what many patients told us when our research was published earlier this year: that navigating private dental pricing can feel confusing, unpredictable and, at times, overwhelming.
The CMA has welcomed the government’s request and has said that it has already carried out “initial exploratory work” ahead of preparing a proposal for its study into the private dental market. While it is not an investigation into wrongdoing, it could be a significant step towards ensuring that dentistry services operate as effectively and fairly as possible for consumers. Market studies allow the regulator to analyse pricing structures, supply-and-demand pressures, consumer behaviour and assess whether competition is functioning as it should.
CMA market studies usually take up to a year, but if the regulator finds significant issues, it has the power to launch a deeper investigation.
The next steps
A CMA market study could be a turning point for the sector if it leads to clearer, more consistent price information for private dental patients, fairer charging structures and a better balance between NHS and private dentistry. But it faces a big task in restoring confidence for people who feel shut out of NHS dental care and are unsure about the value of private treatment. Arguably, with little let up in inflationary price pressures and a national shortage of dentists, the CMA may find its options are limited.
At myTribe Insurance Experts, we will continue monitoring changes in the private cost of dental treatment. The reaction to our initial research shows just how important transparency and consumer information are in highlighting healthcare issues that affect people on a daily basis.
As the CMA begins its work, we expect the conversation around dental pricing to intensify. We’ll share updates, analysis and further research to help people understand their options.
Chris Steele, founder and editor of myTribe Insurance Experts, said:
“myTribe’s research put the sharp rise in private dental costs into clear focus, and it’s reassuring to see that evidence helping to drive national action. Growing demand, constrained supply and rising operating costs has created an environment where private dental prices have risen quickly, and unevenly, throughout the UK. While a fair market for consumers is of utmost importance, so is investment and improvement of NHS services, which would, in turn, reduce pressure on dental clinics and prices.”
Further reading: Our full guide to the average cost of private dental treatment in the UK
