Since the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched its review of the private dental market, we have ensured their team understand the realities that face members providing private dentistry. It has now published an interim report, setting out an update on what it has found so far.
The CMA has heard – including from the BDA – that the private dental market is competitive and well-functioning. We were the only body representing the dental profession to provide evidence to the CMA, and we made clear that private dentistry is provided by a highly regulated profession to patients who have a broad range of choices.
Practices have been absorbing soaring costs
In our evidence to the CMA, we reported our analysis of private fees, which shows an 8% real-terms reduction in prices. And we have spelled out the facts in the media.
This runs entirely contrary to the charges we heard from the former Chancellor at the outset of this process. Rachel Reeves’ claims on the “scourge of hidden costs” that have “blighted families in need of dental treatment for too long” are simple myths.
Practices have seen soaring costs across the board from wage bills to lab bills, but our evidence shows that practices have not passed these increases on to patients in full. This is, in part, because patients are highly sensitive to price changes and their expectations of costs are anchored to NHS charges that do not reflect the real costs of treatments.
A trusting relationship is key
Unsurprisingly, trust has emerged as a core component of the clinical and commercial relationship between patient and dentist. This is fundamental to shaping how patients make decisions about which dentist to see and which treatments to consent to, and dentists are highly aware that misusing this trust would damage their relationship with the patient, and ultimately their business.
Complex and overlapping regulation
A major theme that the CMA has identified is regulation. While necessary for patient protection, the CMA draws attention – as have we – to the complex and overlapping regulations that dentists face. If the CMA ends up recommending cutting red tape and reforming regulation, then this would be a welcome move to cut costs and stress for the profession, to the benefit of patients.
There is also a need for regulation to keep pace with how the provision of dentistry is developing. Models of remote orthodontic provision have clearly not been in line with the GDC’s guidance, but the regulator has taken little to no action to address this.
Similarly, regulators of both the profession and dental practices have appeared powerless in the face of illegal practice by overseas dentists providing clinical exams in hotels and conference centres. Instead, it has been left to the BDA to try and work with hospitality industry bodies to clamp down on illegal dentistry.
It is galling that dentists doing the right thing are subject to so much scrutiny, while so little action is taken against those who brazenly practise our profession illegally.
Practice plans added to scope
Following the evidence gathered so far, the CMA has decided to specifically add practice plans to the scope of its review. It has heard both positive and negative experiences with plans from patients. Some patients have shared that payment plans are a good way to spread the costs of treatment and to ensure access with a practice.
The CMA intends to look at whether patients feel pressure to take out a plan, and whether plans restrict patients from switching dental practice. It will also look at whether plans create incentives for dentists to provide, or not provide, certain treatments.
Ensure your voice is heard
The CMA continues to gather evidence and wants to hear from independently-owned practices to inform its review. I would encourage you to ensure that your perspective is heard as well.
Give your views in the CMA survey
Later this year, we will hear more about the CMA’s findings and proposals. We will continue to work constructively with the CMA to ensure the outcomes are in the best interests of the profession and our patients.
