OFT launches major investigation into private dentistry

PN 04/02 23 January 2002

Response to Consumers' Association 'super-complaint'

The Office of Fair Trading is to launch a comprehensive investigation into private dentistry. This follows initial concerns expressed by the Consumers' Association last Autumn in the first ever super-complaint.

A preliminary study by the OFT has highlighted some key questions about the private dentistry market. These concern the transparency of prices, the level of competition and the way complaints are handled and redress offered. There are also questions about access to dental services and about how much guidance patients are given before treatment is undertaken.

The OFT will use its powers under section 2 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 to carry out a wide-ranging investigation into this market. The OFT will examine how the provision of NHS and private dental services together operate, the incentives for dentists to treat patients under the NHS or privately, and the constraints and incentives to provide new services. It will also study the expectations and rights of consumers, and the availability and quality of information for consumers to enable them to make informed choices.

The investigation will be completed by the end of the year, including a period of consultation with key interested parties.

John Vickers, Director General of Fair Trading said:

'We have scrutinised the areas of concern about dentistry raised by the Consumers' Association. Our preliminary study has given grounds to suspect that the market is not working well for dental patients. The next step is to investigate thoroughly what is going on. If action needs to be taken, we will drive it forward.'

NOTES

1. The super-complaints system allows a number of bodies to refer fast track complaints to the OFT. These complaints will focus on areas where the complainant suspects there are market structures or practices that are working against the interests of consumers.

2. The Government's July Enterprise Bill White Paper proposes that the super-complaints procedure will be enshrined in law. Prior to this becoming law, the OFT has agreed it will consider super-complaints received.

3. The Consumers' Association raised their complaint on 25 October last year.

4. The text of the letter from the Director General to Allan Asher at the Consumers Association confirming this detailed investigation, together with the short OFT preliminary study paper addressing CA's original concerns, is available in hard copy from Jo Hart 020 7211 8993 (media) or Jaswinder Panesar 020 7211 8371 (non-media).

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