In response to news that the Chancellor has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) urging them to launch a market study into private dentistry costs and practices, the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), the trade body representing the UK’s ‘mixed economy’ of NHS, Private and Community-based services – provided the following statement:
Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair, the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) said:
“The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) will contribute evidence and policy ideas to any forthcoming review of the market in Private dentistry.
“Private dentistry is a key part of the ‘mixed economy’, so should be supported rather than challenged. The UK’s unique combination of Private and NHS dentistry means that they are mutually supportive. We must keep in mind that without a stable Private sector, the NHS provision would not be able to function. We need both to be strong. If the government wants economic growth, Private dentistry is a big part of the story, and we need to celebrate it.
“More regulation can only stifle the sector with unintended consequences. ADG members are working hard across dentistry to deliver great patient care and challenges to the Private sector would be a costly distraction, especially within the context of the current massive shortage in the dental workforce which is affecting patient access. The ADG has already highlighted the negative impact of continued shortages of dentists and other dental professionals. Without a significant increase in new dentists, consequential inflationary pressures are bound to be felt across the sector.
“The impact of Brexit with the change of supply lines has been problematic for dentistry. Additionally, many ADG members have already found recent increases in National Insurance and costs for essential supplies difficult to absorb. The key to solving these problems is to deliver sustainable and significant economic growth.”
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For further information contact: ADG Director of Communications & Membership
Kate Clark | kate@kateclarkpr.co.uk | kate.clark@theadg.co.uk | 07990 525639