CMA Launches Private Dental Services Market Study

UK CMA Publications

Published March 5th, 2026

Detected March 5th, 2026

Summary

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the supply of private dental services in the UK. The CMA is inviting views from consumers and dental professionals by April 2, 2026, on the proposed scope of the study.

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What changed

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a market study into the supply of private dental services within the UK, commencing on March 5, 2026. This study aims to assess the competitive landscape and market dynamics of private dental care. The CMA has published a statement of scope and is actively seeking input from interested parties, including consumers and dental professionals, with a deadline for submitting views by April 2, 2026.

Regulated entities and interested parties, particularly those operating within the private dental sector, should review the statement of scope and consider submitting their views to the CMA by the specified deadline. While this is a market study and not an enforcement action, the findings could lead to future regulatory interventions or policy recommendations affecting the provision of private dental services. The CMA has also provided a project roadmap outlining key stages and opportunities for engagement throughout the study.

What to do next

Review the CMA's statement of scope for the private dental services market study.
Submit views and feedback to the CMA by April 2, 2026.
Monitor the CMA's project roadmap for key stages and engagement opportunities.

Source document (simplified)

Private dental services market study

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a market study into the supply of private dental services in the UK.

From: Competition and Markets Authority Published 5 March 2026 Case type: Markets Case state: Open Market sector: Healthcare and medical equipment Opened: 5 March 2026

Administrative timetable

| Date | Action |
| --- | --- |
| 4 March 2027 | Statutory deadline |
| March 2027 | Publication of final report |
| 5 March 2026 | Launch of the market study |
Our project roadmap covers what to expect at important stages of the market study and how to engage with us. We will update this throughout the study.

Launch of market study

5 March 2026: The CMA has launched a market study into the supply of private dental services in the UK.

We invite views by 2 April 2026 from all interested parties on the proposed scope of the market study set out in the statement of scope. Email your views to dentistry@cma.gov.uk.

Market study notice (PDF, 72KB) (5.3.26)
Statement of scope (PDF, 1.6MB) (5.3.26)
Press release: CMA launched review of private dentistry (5.3.26)

Call for views

We want to hear from consumers and dental professionals on how they experience this market and how well it is working. The consumer and dental professionals call for views are open until 19 March 2026.

Consumers call for views (5.3.26)
Dental professionals call for views (5.3.26)

Relevant correspondence

CMA correspondence in relation to private provision in the dentistry market

Contact

dentistry@cma.gov.uk

Personal information

The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its market studies under the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information about how the CMA handles personal data, visit the CMA’s personal information charter.