Dentists in England have had to return more than £900million to the Government for failing to fulfil NHS quotas over the last two years. Brits said dentists « turned their back on the NHS » today as data emerged showing they have prioritised private patients, from whom they can earn much more lucrative sums.
Healthcare watchdogs said the repayments showcase the reality of the dentistry system in England, with patients unable to get affordable care. Rebecca Curtayne, from Healthwatch England, said: « These figures reflect what people across the country tell us – many cannot get an NHS dental appointment and others find their dentist has stopped providing NHS care altogether and now only offers private treatment. »
Brits have shared their disappointment with the system on social media today, after the Government’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced it would launch an investigation into private dentistry in the UK. The CMA said fees had risen by up to 22% between 2022 and 2024.
Jane M wrote on X: « I have been on an NHS dentist ‘waiting list’ for over five years since I moved address. They send me links to their private services. I travel to my old NHS dentist. I feel this ‘waiting list’ is a scam to force people to pay privately. »
Charles Tansley added: « Many dentists turned their backs on the NHS a long, long time ago. »
Dentists have to agree on how much NHS work they will undertake over the year with the Government, which pays them monthly for the services.
If they underdeliver, classed as below 96% of the contract agreement, the NHS recoups the money the following year.
In 2024-25, more than £450million was returned, and the year prior, nearly £480million was returned, according to BBC analysis of NHS accounts. More than 40% of dentists had to hand back money both years.
Dentists can earn far more lucrative rewards for private treatments. NHS fillings, for example, cost £75.30, and the majority must be grey, while private white composite fillings cost in excess of £200.
However, the British Dental Association said dentists were left with no choice but to provide private care because they lose money through the NHS contract, which is 20 years old. It said dentists are reliant on a cross subsidy of over £400million a year from private work to break even.
Chair of the BDA Eddie Crouch said: « The Government is attempting to use this inquiry to pretend it is improving access and putting money back into voters’ pockets without spending a penny. »
The Government said it had increased the amount dentists can earn under NHS contracts and provided starting bonuses for people who take jobs in areas with the highest need.
An NHS England spokeswoman said the returned money was reinvested into dentistry, and that it was working closely with the Government to introduce further reforms.
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