Why private dental prices are rising, and how to pay less

If you’ve tried to book a dental appointment recently, you may have noticed how much harder it has become. In many areas of the UK, NHS dentists are no longer accepting new patients and even routine check ups can involve long waits. When that happens, you may find yourself turning to private dentistry and the price difference can come as a shock.

 The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a review of the private dentistry market after consultation fees rose sharply in recent years, increasing by around 23% since 2022.

For you as a patient, the challenge isn’t just that private treatment costs more. It’s also that prices can vary widely between practices, making it difficult to know whether you’re paying a fair amount. The good news is that you still have ways to reduce what you pay, if you understand how the system works.

Why private dental prices are rising

A major reason private dental prices are increasing is the growing difficulty of accessing NHS treatment. Across the UK, many dental practices have reduced the number of NHS patients they see or stopped offering NHS treatment entirely. Dentists often say the NHS contract system does not fully cover the cost of providing care. As a result, some practices move toward private dentistry, where they can set their own fees. When NHS appointments become scarce, more patients look for private treatment. That increase in demand naturally pushes prices up.

Dental practices are also dealing with higher costs themselves. Equipment, laboratory work, materials and staff wages have all become more expensive over the past few years. Like most businesses, clinics often pass some of those costs on to patients.

The CMA review will examine whether dental practices are providing clear pricing information and whether patients are able to compare costs easily before agreeing to treatment.

How NHS dental charges work

Before assuming private dentistry is your only option, it helps to understand how NHS dental charges are structured.

NHS treatment uses a three band pricing system. Instead of paying separately for each procedure, you pay one fixed price depending on the type of treatment you receive.

If you need a mix of treatments from different bands, you’ll pay for the cost of the highest band of treatment you’re having. If you need a mix of treatments from the same band, you’ll only pay the band charge once.

Band 1: £27.40

Band 1 can include:

• examination, assessment and advice (a routine dental appointment)
• X-rays, if clinically needed
• putting fluoride on the surface of your teeth
• simple management of gum disease, such as scaling (a thorough clean of your teeth and gums), if clinically needed
• moulds of your teeth, for example to see how your teeth bite together
• minimal adjustments to false teeth (dentures) or orthodontic appliances, such as braces – for example, smoothing rough parts or tightening clasps

Band 2: £75.30

Band 2 treatment includes all items in Band 1, plus it may include:

• fillings
• root canal treatment to treat an infection or inflammation in the centre of your tooth
• removing teeth (extraction) and other oral surgery procedures
• sealant to fill small holes or grooves in your teeth
• adding to your false teeth (dentures), such as adding a clasp or a tooth, or making extensive adjustments, such as relining and rebasing
• a bite-raising appliance to correct your bite (does not include a laboratory-made appliance)
• extensive management of gum disease

Band 3: £326.70

Band 3 treatment includes all items in Bands 1 and 2, plus it may include:

• a type of cap that covers your real tooth (crown)
• restoring damaged teeth with inlays and onlays
• false teeth (dentures) made from plastic or metal
• a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth (bridge)
• orthodontic treatment, such as braces, to improve the appearance, position and function of your teeth
• other custom-made appliances, not including sports guards
  
  See the NHS website for full details of treatments covered https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-much-nhs-dental-treatment-costs/

One useful detail is that the price covers the entire course of treatment, even if several procedures are required within the same band. This keeps NHS dental costs predictable, something that private dentistry doesn’t always provide.

How to find an NHS dentist

Even if you’ve struggled to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, it’s still worth checking regularly. Practices sometimes reopen their lists or offer limited NHS appointments.

You can search for NHS dental services in your area using the official NHS tool https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist/

The finder allows you to:

• Search for NHS dentists by postcode
• See whether practices are currently accepting new patients
• Find contact details for local clinics

Even if a practice isn’t accepting new patients immediately, it can still be worth calling and asking to join the waiting list.

When you may still be able to get NHS treatment

If you can’t find a dentist accepting new NHS patients, you may still be able to access NHS treatment in certain situations.

For example, the NHS continues to provide urgent dental care. If you are dealing with severe pain, infection, swelling or trauma to your teeth, you may be able to get an emergency appointment.

You can usually find urgent care by:

• Calling NHS 111
• Checking your local NHS dental services website
• Contacting nearby dental practices to ask about urgent NHS appointments

Some areas also operate NHS dental access centres, which treat patients who are not registered with a dentist.

You may need to make a few calls, but NHS treatment is still available in many areas for urgent cases.

How to compare private dental fees

If you do need private treatment, comparing prices can help you avoid paying more than necessary. Unlike on the NHS, private dentistry fees are not standardised, which means two practices in the same area can charge very different prices for the same treatment.

Before agreeing to treatment, ask the dentist for a written treatment plan that clearly lists the procedures and costs involved.

You can also:

• Check whether practices publish price lists on their websites
• Call several local dentists to compare consultation fees
• Ask whether there are alternative treatment options that might cost less

Some clinics also offer payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost of treatment over time.Spending some time comparing prices can save you a surprising amount, especially for more complex non urgent or emergency work.

Check whether your employer health scheme covers dental care

One option many people forget about is claiming dental costs through workplace health benefits.

Many employers offer health cash plans or private health insurance as part of their employee benefits package. These plans often reimburse part of the cost of dental care, including check-ups, hygienist visits and basic treatments.

Cash plans typically allow you to claim back a percentage of your dental costs, up to a yearly limit. Some plans allow you to take out a plan as an individual rather than through your employer if you wish, but the payment terms can vary. If you’re unsure whether you have this benefit, check with your employer, as even partial reimbursement can make a noticeable difference to the final cost of treatment.

What to do if a dentist charges unexpected costs

Most dental practices will explain the cost of treatment before it begins. But sometimes you may receive a bill that is higher than expected, particularly if additional work becomes necessary during treatment. If that happens, start by asking the practice to explain the charges clearly.

Dentists should normally explain the cost of treatment before starting. If you believe the costs were not properly explained, you can question the bill.

You can take the following steps:

1. Speak to the dental practice directly and ask for clarification.
2. Follow the practice’s formal complaints procedure.
3. Contact the Dental Complaints Service, which handles complaints about private dental care.

If your treatment involves NHS services, you can raise a complaint through the NHS complaints system. Keeping copies of treatment plans, invoices and correspondence can make resolving disputes much easier.

Private dentistry is becoming more common as NHS access becomes more limited. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept the first price you’re given.

If you check whether NHS treatment is available, compare private fees between practices, ask for clear treatment plans and see whether your employer health scheme offers reimbursement, you can often reduce the cost significantly.

If you have any thoughts on this topic, or any consumer issues you would like us to cover, feel free to get in touch at support@resolver.co.uk.

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