Private dental patients are encountering significant problems, such as botched treatments and unexpected charges, according to new research from Which?. The consumer group found that people turning to private dentists due to NHS shortages are facing widespread issues.
A survey of 1,009 adults who experienced problems with private dental treatment in the past two years revealed that pricing was a major concern. Four in 10 felt costs were excessive, while one in five paid more than initially quoted, and another one in five found pricing unclear upfront.
Physical harm was also reported, with a quarter of those surveyed dissatisfied with treatment quality and one in 10 reporting a direct clinical mistake. One patient's root canal treatment quote reportedly tripled from £3,400 to over £10,000, while another was left in pain with exposed tooth roots after a crown replacement.
Despite these issues, over six in 10 patients did not complain to their practice, often fearing damage to their relationship with their dentist or believing a complaint would be ineffective. Unlike NHS patients, private dental patients lack an equivalent ombudsman for unresolved complaints, leaving them without a route to an independent decision.