Rachel Reeves has asked the UK’s competition watchdog to investigate the cost of private dental treatment amid concerns about rising prices, where some treatments such as simple tooth extractions have risen by up to 32%.
The chancellor now wants the CMA to launch a market study after concerns that some patients could pay for the potential for hidden costs, overtreatment and a lack of information about the price and quality of treatment that is not always transparent.
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Reeves said: “I want to see urgent action taken to reduce prices while the cost of living continues to put pressure on families across the country.”
How much have dental costs increased?
The cost of private dental treatment increased between 2022 and 2024, according to MyTribe Insurance, which provides information on private health care and insurance.
Simple tooth extractions saw the steepest price increase of all common treatments – from £105 to £139 (32%).
White filling implants rose from £105 to £129 (23%), while root canal treatment rose from £350 to £400 (14%).
Private patients in the South West or East of England can expect to pay the highest prices, while those in Scotland and Northern Ireland typically pay up to 30% less on average.
Dental groups have said practices are simply covering costs amid an increase inflation and cover the increase in labor costs.
Employer National Insurance (NIC) contributions rose from 13.8% to 15% in April 2025 and the rate at which they are paid fell from £9,100 to £5,000, adding to the cost of workers for businesses.
Neil Carmichael, executive chairman of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), said: “Without a significant increase in new dentists, the resulting inflationary pressures will be felt across the industry.
“Many ADG members have already found the recent increases in national insurance and costs for essential supplies difficult to absorb.”
Meanwhile, Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association (BDA), said private dentists were just “covering their costs” claiming that profits from private care are “what keeps NHS dentistry alive”.
NHS dentistry is also in crisis as patients struggle to get appointments.
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows that 82% of young adult patients were unable to access NHS dental care in May 2025.
Some areas of England struggling with a chronic lack of NHS dental care have been described as ‘dental deserts’.
Dentists have raised concerns about the terms of the NHS contract, which they say has left them unable to cover their costs while funding for NHS dental care has been cut since 2006.
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