Call for shake-up of private dentists

A major shake-up of private dentists in the UK was recommended in a report published today by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

A 14-month long investigation concluded that the market, worth more than £1 billion a year, is "not working well for consumers".

In its report the OFT calls for private dentists to make clear the prices they charge for work and to "prominently" display which services are available under the NHS.

It also recommends that each practice has a complaints procedure and calls for an independent complaints process, along the lines of that which exists in the NHS, to examine complaints if they cannot be resolved.

According to the OFT, demand for private dentistry in the UK is "expanding rapidly", growing by just under 50% between 1997 and 2001.

About seven million people regularly receive private dental treatment and between 20% and 22% of dentists' business is now private, the report says.

Of the 11,000 dental practices in the UK, just 200 are solely private.

The investigation was the first prompted by a "super-complaint" - a fast track procedure - and came from watchdog the Consumers' Association.

Other changes recommended by the OFT include the scrapping of rules preventing dental therapists, hygienists and dental technicians charging patients directly for their services.

At present a dentist has to refer a patient to these professionals and will then bill them.

The OFT also wants self-regulation of private dentistry "strengthened and broadened to help ensure that consumers can make properly informed decisions about dental services".

To help inform consumers looking to register with a private dentist, the OFT today announced an awareness campaign reminding them of information they should obtain in advance.

It will suggest they ask for a price guide, check whether the practice is a member of an accreditation scheme and, after joining, make sure they receive an itemised invoice for work.

Launching the report, John Vickers, director general of fair trading, said: "Private dentistry is a young mass market that is not yet properly consumer-oriented.

"In particular, poor information for many consumers, a lack of price transparency and inadequate self-regulation is limiting competition and choice.

"Furthermore, unnecessary restrictions impede the supply of dental services and limit the ability of businesses to respond in innovative ways to evolving customer demands.

"Deregulatory initiatives are under way and should go further."