A growing number of people in England are turning to private dentistry as NHS services become increasingly difficult to access. The proportion of people using private dental services has surged from 22% in 2023 to 32% by late 2025, according to Healthwatch England’s recent findings.
The rise is particularly striking among low-income households, where the percentage of people struggling financially and seeking private care has nearly doubled, from 14% to 27%, in recent years. With NHS dental appointments becoming scarce, many are left with no choice but to pay out of pocket for services like fillings and extractions.
Private dental care can be costly, with a basic check-up priced at £64 compared to £27.40 on the NHS. This price disparity hits vulnerable groups the hardest, as many low-income patients, as well as pregnant women and new mothers, miss out on free NHS dental care because they cannot find a provider.
Healthwatch England has warned that the system is failing those who need it most. “For some, there is no NHS dental care left, only private options,” said Rebecca Curtayne, the organization’s acting head of policy.
The situation has sparked concern from the Patients Association, with Chief Executive Rachel Power saying that the rise of private dental care signals a systemic failure. “The lack of affordable dental care is not just about cost. It leads to physical pain, mental distress, and long-term health issues for those affected,” she said.
In response, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the £8.4bn private dental market to ensure it serves consumers fairly. The inquiry will examine pricing, treatment options, and accessibility within the sector. The CMA’s figures suggest that only one in five people in the UK rely on private care, significantly lower than Healthwatch’s estimate of 32% in England.
Dentists blame underfunding of the NHS for the increasing shift toward private care. The British Dental Association (BDA) claims that low NHS reimbursements force many practitioners to provide private services to stay afloat. “The government must address the funding gap,” said BDA chair Eddie Crouch.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson acknowledged the issue but stated that efforts are underway to improve the NHS dental system. These include the introduction of reforms to the dental contract and a focus on prevention, with 1.8 million more treatments delivered in the first seven months of 2025.
However, critics argue that without significant changes, a two-tier dental system—where private care is the only viable option for many—will become permanent.