Industry Backlash: British Dental Association Slams Inquiry Call into Private Dentistry
The British Dental Association (BDA) has strongly condemned the UK government's decision to order the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate the costs and practices of private dentistry. The BDA described the move as "cynical political theatre" and argued that the government is deflecting blame for the ongoing NHS dental crisis onto the private sector.
The controversy highlights the deep friction between the government and dental professionals regarding the root causes of rising dental fees and the breakdown of access to state-funded care.
The BDA’s Core Argument: Blaming the Crisis
The BDA maintains that rising private fees are not driven by market manipulation but by undeniable economic pressures facing all businesses. Their response directly challenges the government’s narrative:
Surging Overheads: The BDA asserts that the main driver of cost increases is the soaring overhead expenses for dental practices, including staff wages, energy bills, and the price of materials—many of which have seen double-digit inflation.
Cross-Subsidy Necessity: Crucially, the BDA claims that the private work undertaken by practices is essential, arguing it cross-subsidizes the provision of loss-making NHS dentistry. Without private income, the financial model for mixed practices—which provide the bulk of NHS care—would collapse entirely.
"Perverse" Inquiry: The BDA Chair, Eddie Crouch, stated that the inquiry is "utterly perverse," as it targets the sector that is filling the void left by government failure, rather than addressing the fundamental underfunding of the NHS dental contract.
The Real Issue: Failure of NHS Contracts
The professional body argues that the government should focus its efforts on reforming the failed NHS dental contract, which they say has forced thousands of dentists to reduce their NHS commitments or leave state provision altogether.
Access Crisis: The BDA points out that the real driver of patients seeking expensive private care is the simple fact that they cannot access an NHS dentist. A recent study showed millions of people have been left unable to access routine NHS care.
Scapegoating: By ordering the CMA investigation, the government is accused of scapegoating dentists instead of providing the necessary funding and contract reform to stabilize the NHS dental service.
The BDA has pledged to cooperate with the CMA but stated its intention to use the investigation as a platform to clearly illustrate the catastrophic impact of government policy on dental services.
Original Article Details
Original Title: British Dental Association slams inquiry call into private dentistry
Source: Oral Health Group
Publication Date: November 20, 2025