UK dentists are returning hundreds of millions of pounds to the Government each year as many prioritize private patients over NHS work, official figures reveal.
Data shows that more than £900 million was handed back to the NHS over the past two years—equivalent to around £1 in every £7 paid to dentists—after practices failed to meet their NHS contract targets.
The issue comes amid growing concerns about access to dental care. One in five people report being unable to see a dentist when they need to, despite record funding being allocated to NHS dentistry.
In response, the UK’s competition watchdog has launched an investigation into the private dental market. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) highlighted a sharp rise in private dental costs, noting that the price of a consultation has increased by nearly 25 per cent over two years.
Private practices now dominate the sector, accounting for almost 70 per cent of the £12 billion-a-year UK dentistry market. The CMA reported that between 2022 and 2024, the cost of an initial private consultation rose 23 per cent to £80, a routine check-up increased 14 per cent to £55, and a standard tooth extraction—the most common procedure—jumped a third to £139.
The CMA said it will examine issues affecting consumers, including how easy it is to find a dentist, transparency in pricing, and access to urgent treatment. It has also launched an online guide to help patients navigate the system.
Sarah Cardell, CMA chief executive, said: “Going to the dentist is an important part of health and wellbeing. For some, turning to private dentistry is a choice—but for many, it’s a necessity. People need clear, accessible information at the right time so they can make the right decisions.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who called for the review last year, criticized hidden costs, lack of transparency, and overtreatment in private dentistry. She also cited reports that some dentists only accept children as NHS patients if their parents agree to private care.
Dentists often earn significantly more for simple treatments when performed privately rather than under the NHS. The British Dental Association (BDA) says NHS payments are too low, with many practices losing money on certain treatments, forcing them to rely on private work to remain financially viable. Research suggests over six million adults prefer private dentistry to NHS care.
Under NHS contracts, dentists agree on the amount of work they will provide each year and receive monthly payments. Practices that deliver less than 96 per cent of their contracted work must return the corresponding funds the following year. In 2024–25, more than £450 million was returned, and nearly £480 million the year before. Each year, over 40 per cent of dentists handed back money.
BDA chairman Eddie Crouch criticized the government’s handling of the issue, saying: “The Government is attempting to use this inquiry to pretend it is improving access and putting money back into voters’ pockets without spending a penny. Those left without options, who have felt forced to go private, are there entirely because of choices made by the Treasury.”
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