OFT: Dentistry sector needs greater competition

Posted by Joanne Mellor

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has called for a major overhaul of dentistry in the UK in order to provide greater competition for patients.

According to a new report from the OFT, the market as it stands is failing to meet the best interests of individuals in many cases.

It explained many patients are not given enough information to make an informed choice about the dentist they choose, which may affect marketing for dentists campaigns.

Chief executive at the OFT John Finnegan stated the report raises “significant concerns” that need to be tackled about the state of the dentistry market in the UK.

“We also unearthed evidence that some patients may be receiving deliberately inaccurate information about their entitlement to NHS dental treatment and we expect to see robust action taken against such potential misconduct,” he said.

Conservative peer Lord Colwyn recently urged the coalition government to use local dentistry expertise when putting together the new dental contract.