Office of Fair Trading Investigates Dental Charges

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The Office of Fair Trading has launched an investigation into dental charges.

The investigation will examine NHS and private dental charges across the UK and other factors, including the choice of dentist, the dental services available, the ease of changing dentist and methods of payment, will all be put under the spotlight.

The OFT plans to finish the inquiry by the end of March 2012. The inquiry has been launched in light of confusion among consumers, with many dental patients saying that they are unsure about dental charges, price bands and the range of treatments available to them and it is hoped that the investigation will help to address these issues.

Sonya Branch from the OFT, said that patients are confused about prices and feel that they are not being given enough information about the treatments and services available from both NHS and private dentists. She added that private dental fees are among the highest in Europe and issues related to high prices, including competition, will be examined during the inquiry.

The Office of Fair Trading does now have the authority to change prices, even if issues are identified as a result of the inquiry, however, the investigation will provide a useful insight into whether the dental market is operating effectively.

 

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