Making Sense of the Government’s Probe Into Private Dentistry: What It Means for Everyday Practice

The Government’s review of private dental fees has sparked plenty of discussion, but the intention behind it is straightforward. The probe focuses on transparency, patient understanding and consistency in communication. For most dentists this aligns with the standards they already aim to deliver, and it can be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen trust rather than a challenge to the profession.

Why This private dentistry Probe Has Appeared Now

Several national issues have converged:

• NHS access pressures, with many patients unable to secure an NHS appointment

• A shift towards private care as waiting times increase

• Rising living costs that make people more sensitive to professional fees

• Large variation in pricing between regions and practice types

Against this backdrop it is understandable that the Government wants to explore how fees are explained and whether patients receive clear information before choosing treatment.

Transparency Is the Core Theme

The review is mainly concerned with how clearly patients understand:

• what treatment costs

• why fees differ between practices

• what alternatives exist

• the risks and benefits of each approach

Most dentists already provide this, but the probe is a reminder that clarity helps prevent confusion and enhances confidence.

Why Prices Vary in Private Dentistry

Private fees reflect real differences in cost structure. Dentistry is a labour-intensive service with rising overheads that patients rarely see. This table offers a simplified view of the cost pressures behind everyday care.

Factor influencing fees	Typical reality in 2025
Clinical time	40 to 120 minutes for many common procedures
Staff wages	Significant increases in nursing and reception salaries
Materials	15 to 40 percent higher than five years ago
Lab work	Increasing due to material and energy costs
Equipment	Scanners, microscopes, CBCT, digital workflows
Compliance	CQC, HTM 01 05, radiation safety, training

Variation is normal in a sector where some practices are equipped with advanced digital systems while others operate with simpler setups. The probe is not questioning clinical freedom; it is focusing on whether these differences are clearly explained.

Typical Treatment Costs and What They Actually Represent

To give context, here are some fairly typical UK private fees:

Treatment	Usual private range
Composite filling	£120 to £220
Molar root canal	£350 to £900+
Crown (lab-based)	£550 to £900
Hygienist appointment	£60 to £120

Patients often see these as single figures. They do not see the breakdown behind them. A simple chair time calculation can help dentists evaluate whether their pricing is sustainable.

Example calculation

A practice aiming for a target surgery revenue of £250 per hour delivers a 50 minute appointment for a composite filling. The minimum fee to maintain that hourly rate is roughly £200. This excludes materials, room turnover and the cost of quality equipment such as matrix systems or composite heaters. Many practices discover that their pricing is actually conservative once these factors are considered.

Mixed Practices and the Financial Reality Behind the Scenes

A point that rarely features in public debate is the role of mixed practices. Many NHS contracts deliver negative or marginal profitability once staffing, materials, compliance and inflation are accounted for. The private side of the business often subsidises the NHS element to ensure the practice remains viable. This is important context for policymakers because private dentistry is not separate from NHS provision; in many areas it actively enables practices to keep delivering NHS care.

Clearer Communication Helps Everyone

The probe encourages practices to review how they explain treatment options, especially the difference between NHS, private and enhanced private pathways. Patients value simple explanations written in plain English. They want to know what is recommended, why it is recommended and what the realistic alternatives are.

Practices already doing this well should continue. For others, this may be a good moment to refresh templates, website fees and reception scripts.

Shorter appointment summaries, clearer price ranges and calm explanations help patients feel more in control. They also reduce misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of complaints.

Will This Lead to Major Regulatory Change

This seems unlikely. The expected outcome is more guidance rather than hard rules. The focus appears to be on helping patients understand treatment decisions instead of interfering with clinical judgement or pricing. Any recommendations are likely to encourage:

• clearer written quotes

• consistent explanation of options

• better website information

• straightforward communication about risks and benefits

These are all aligned with good practice.

A Helpful Moment for Reflection

The probe provides a timely chance to review how fees are presented and whether explanations feel accessible and calm. It may also be a good opportunity to revisit pricing in a structured way using chair time, materials, lab fees and overheads. Many dentists find that transparent conversations lead to better acceptance of treatment because patients understand the value behind it.

Private dentistry remains an essential part of the UK dental landscape. When communication is clear and pricing is explained in a way that feels fair, it strengthens relationships and supports better decision making for patients.