The CMA's invitation to comment on the statement of scope for its private dental services market study

Which? welcomes the opportunity to comment on the CMA’s proposed statement of scope for its private dental services market study. We broadly support the CMA’s areas of focus and take this opportunity to highlight areas where the market may not currently be functioning well, specifically:

• Poor price transparency and the absence of comprehensive search tools hinder consumers from their ability to make informed choices, and weaken downward pressure on fees
• A lack of transparency on dental payment plans and their cost breakdown makes it difficult for consumers to effectively compare and assess their value for money
• Various dentists’ behaviours (e.g. poor communication, overtreatment, pressure selling) that could lead to adverse consumer outcomes
• Complaints and redress mechanisms with inadequate recourse or compensation when service standards fall short

Which? encourages the CMA to further investigate these issues in their market study.