Can’t afford the dentist? Review launched into soaring dental costs, plus who can get free or low-cost care

Amid rising dental prices, the UK’s competition watchdog has launched a review of the private dentistry market.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is examining the £8bn private dentistry sector, covering both essential care and cosmetic treatments.

Private practices now account for nearly 70% of Britain’s £12bn-a-year dentistry market.

What’s the review about?

The CMA is asking both patients and dental professionals for feedback as it investigates how well the market is working.

The review will look at issues such as:

• how easy it is to find a dentist
• whether pricing is clear and transparent
• how patients can raise complaints if something goes wrong

Concerns about rising costs were first raised by chancellor Rachel Reeves in November.

Why are prices under scrutiny?

According to the CMA, the cost of private dental treatment has risen sharply in recent years.

Between 2022 and 2024:

• The average cost of an initial private consultation rose more than 23%, reaching £80.
• A routine check-up for existing patients increased 14% to £55.
• The average price of a simple tooth extraction, one of the most common procedures, jumped by about a third to £139.

Figures cited by healthcare insurance experts MyTribe also show:

• The average price of a white filling increased by more than 20% to £129.
• Anterior root canal treatment rose 14% to around £400.

By comparison, treatment through the NHS is much cheaper. A routine dental appointment costs £27.50, while treatments such as fillings or root canal work cost £75.30.

Cost is stopping people from going to the dentist

Earlier research from Healthwatch England suggests the rising cost of living is preventing many people from accessing dental care, particularly those on low incomes.

More than one in five people (21%) said they avoided going to the dentist because of the cost. This is up from 12% in October 2022 and 15% in early 2023.

Who’s entitled to free NHS dental treatment?

You do not have to pay for NHS dental services if you’re:

• under 18, or 19 and in full-time education
• pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may need to pay for any dentures or bridges)
• receiving certain low income benefits
• under 20 and dependent on someone receiving low income benefits

Benefits that qualify for free NHS dental care

You’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive:

• income support
• income-related employment and support allowance
• income-based jobseeker’s allowance
• pension credit guarantee credit
• universal credit (in certain circumstances)

Help with costs if you’re on a low income

If you’re not eligible for completely free treatment, you may still be able to get help with paying part of the costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

The level of support depends on:

• your weekly income
• essential outgoings
• any savings or investments at the time you apply.

How to find an NHS dentist

You can search for an NHS dentist on the NHS website. Enter your postcode for a list of NHS dentists in your area.

If the practice isn’t accepting new patients, you may need to join a waiting list. If you’re unable to find a dentist after contacting several surgeries, you can contact NHS England’s customer contact centre on 0300 311 2233 for help.

What if you need urgent treatment?

If you’re in pain or need emergency dental care, call 111 to reach NHS 111. Patients in pain are entitled to see an emergency dentist.