CMA investigation into private dentistry: what practices need to know
On 5 March 2026, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) officially launched its market study into private dental services in the UK, covering an £8 billion sector that has grown sharply over the past two years. The investigation will run for 12 months, with an interim report expected in October or November 2026 and a final report by 4 March 2027. This is the most significant regulatory scrutiny the private dental sector has faced in recent years, prompted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves's concerns about hidden costs, lack of transparency and potential overtreatment in private dental pricing.
For practice owners, associates and dental care professionals working in private practice, the CMA study is not a criticism of the care you provide. Instead, it is an examination of how the market operates, what consumers pay and whether patients receive clear information before treatment. Understanding what the CMA is investigating and what the study may lead to will help you prepare your practice for possible changes.
Quick Summary
The CMA is examining preventative, clinically necessary and cosmetic private dental treatments across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but will not investigate NHS dentistry in isolation.
The study will use statutory information-gathering powers under the Enterprise Act 2002, plus questionnaires, roundtables and meetings with providers, regulators and Chief Dental Officers across all four nations.
Interim findings are expected October, November 2026; final report by 4 March 2027. Possible outcomes range from regulatory recommendations to direct CMA action or new business guidance.
One in five people in Great Britain used private dental care in 2024. Consultation prices rose over 23% to £80 and routine check-ups over 14% to £55 between 2022 and 2024.
Practices can submit views to dentistry@cma.gov.uk. The CMA will consider evidence from all stakeholders, including providers, industry associations and trade bodies.
What the CMA is investigating and why
The CMA's market study covers the entire private dental sector in the UK, including preventative care, clinically necessary treatments and cosmetic procedures. The scope is broad because the regulator wants to understand how the market operates across all four nations and identify whether there are systemic issues affecting patient choice and treatment availability.
The investigation was triggered by concerns about pricing transparency and consumer outcomes. Demand for private dentistry has risen sharply: one in five people in Great Britain used private dental care in 2024, and private dental services accounted for over two-thirds of the overall market in 2025. At the same time, consultation prices rose over 23% to an average of £80 and routine check-ups rose over 14% to £55 between 2022 and 2024. These rapid increases, combined with reports of hidden costs and unclear treatment recommendations, prompted the Chancellor to call for action in November 2025.
The CMA emphasises that this study is not a criticism of clinicians or the quality of care provided. Rather, it is an examination of market mechanics: how pricing is set, how patients are informed, whether there are barriers to competition or switching between practices, and whether consumers have genuine choice. The study will also consider how the NHS dental system influences private practice, since many dentists work in both sectors and some patients move between them based on availability and cost.
How the CMA will gather evidence and engage with practices
The CMA has significant powers to investigate the private dentistry market. It will use statutory information-gathering powers under the Enterprise Act 2002 to request data from practices, suppliers and other market participants. Beyond formal powers, the CMA will also use informal questionnaires, industry roundtables, and direct meetings with providers, industry associations, regulators and Chief Dental Officers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The evidence-gathering phase runs from now until the interim update in autumn 2026. Practices should expect that they may receive formal information requests or be invited to participate in roundtable discussions. Preparing clear records of your pricing structure, treatment protocols, patient communication materials and any price changes over the past two to three years will help you respond efficiently if contacted. This is not an audit, but the CMA will want to understand how decisions are made and communicated.
Timeline, possible outcomes and next steps for your practice
The CMA has set clear milestones. An interim report setting out emerging concerns and possible options for improving market outcomes is due in October or November 2026. This interim report will signal what the CMA considers problematic and give practices and industry bodies a chance to respond to preliminary findings. The final report will be published by 4 March 2027, at which point the CMA will make formal recommendations or announcements about enforcement action.
The possible outcomes range widely. The CMA may recommend that governments change regulation of the sector, for example by introducing mandatory price transparency requirements or stricter advertising standards. The CMA itself may take direct action against practices it believes have breached competition law. Alternatively, the CMA may issue new guidance to help ensure all businesses are clear on their obligations to consumers. Whatever the outcome, private practices should expect at least some change to how they operate by mid-2027.
For practice owners and associates, the immediate insight is to review your current pricing, treatment recommendations and patient communication. Ensure that your initial consultations include clear, written quotations for treatment; that your website and marketing materials accurately describe what patients will pay; and that your staff are trained to explain costs and alternatives to patients at every stage. The British Dental Association has noted that typical NHS contract holders now deliver NHS care at a loss and rely on cross-subsidy of over £400 million a year from private activity to break even, highlighting the tension between the two sectors. As the CMA examines this relationship, practices that can demonstrate transparent, ethical charging and evidence-based treatment planning will be best positioned to navigate the outcome.
Why this matters
Pricing transparency and clear treatment communication are now under scrutiny. Practices that cannot explain or justify treatment recommendations to regulators will face risk.
The CMA's interim report (autumn 2026) will shape what changes are required. Early engagement with the study and submission of your practice's perspective now may influence the final recommendations.
Regulatory change is likely by mid-2027. Practices that proactively audit their own pricing, informed consent processes and marketing now will have an easier transition than those waiting for enforcement.
The Bottom Line
The CMA's private dentistry investigation represents a defining moment for the private sector. The regulator is focused on how the market operates for consumers, not on criticising clinicians or the quality of care. For practices, the message is clear: transparency, fair pricing and evidence-based treatment are now regulatory expectations, not optional extras.
If you have not already done so, review your practice's pricing structure, treatment protocols and patient communication. Consider submitting your views to the CMA at dentistry@cma.gov.uk if you believe the study should focus on particular market issues or if you want to explain how your practice operates.
Disclaimer: This blog is a general overview and should not be construed as professional legal, financial or medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will the CMA investigate my practice directly?
The CMA may contact your practice as part of its broader evidence-gathering. It will use statutory powers to request data and may invite you to roundtables or submit questionnaires. This is routine for market studies and does not mean your practice is under suspicion; it means the CMA wants to understand how the market operates across a representative sample of providers.
Q2: Does the CMA study cover NHS dentistry?
No. The CMA study focuses on private dental services. However, the CMA will consider how NHS systems influence the private market, including the impact on patient choice and treatment availability. The investigation acknowledges that many dentists work in both sectors and that NHS capacity pressures may drive patients toward private care.
Q3: What happens if the CMA finds a problem with my pricing?
The CMA's interim report will set out emerging concerns. If your practice is identified as problematic, you will have an opportunity to respond before the final report. The CMA may recommend regulatory change, issue guidance, or take direct enforcement action. Practices that can justify their pricing and treatment recommendations with clear evidence are least at risk.
Q4: Can I submit my practice's views to the CMA?
Yes. You can email views and evidence to dentistry@cma.gov.uk. The CMA is actively seeking input from providers, associations and other stakeholders. Submitting your perspective now may help shape the final report and recommendations, and demonstrates your practice's commitment to engaging with the process.
Q5: What should I do now to prepare for the outcome?
Audit your pricing structure, treatment plans and patient communication materials. Ensure you can explain and justify every treatment recommendation and every charge to a regulator. Review your website and marketing to ensure pricing is transparent and accurate. Train staff on clear cost communication. These steps will help your practice adapt quickly to whatever changes the CMA recommends.
Information Sources
This article was researched using authoritative UK sources. Last updated: 2026-08-28.
CMA launches review of private dentistry, UK Government, UK Government
CMA private dental services market study: Statement of scope, UK Government
How to engage with the CMA's private dental services market study, UK Government
CMA cases: private dental services market study, UK Government
CMA consultations: dentistry consumers call for views, Competition and Markets Authority
