Which? has launched a new campaign to ‘Clean Up Dental Costs' as many patients could be over-charged for treatment or unclear about what they are entitled to on the NHS.
In a poll of 1,001 people, Which? found half (51%) of people who visited a dentist in the last six months didn't see a price list.
A further one in five (22%) said they weren't clear about costs ahead of their treatment.
Existing rules state that dentists must have a price list prominently on display in their surgery and set out treatment costs upfront.
In a separate mystery shopping investigation, Which? also sent undercover researchers in to dental practices offering both NHS and private treatment. Half of the researchers saw a price list displayed with the majority of practices not showing any private prices.
This makes it difficult for people to compare costs between practices, as well as between NHS and private treatments, Which? said.
The consumer group also asked an expert panel to assess the quality of the undercover visits and they found problems with communication of prices and treatment options.
Half (12) of the 25 visits were rated poor or very poor for explaining the difference between NHS and private options, eight poor or very poor for explaining prices, and the same number poor or very poor for explaining treatment options.
There was further evidence from the consumer group's survey that some people could be being overcharged. One in five (19%) NHS patients who pay said they paid more than one charge for one course of NHS treatment over the last two years when they shouldn't have.
With a quarter (26%) of people unsure about how NHS and private treatments differ and around four in 10 (40%) unaware that all clinically necessary treatment should be provided by the NHS, it's important that dentists are clear with their patients about cost and treatment options.
A third (31%) of people who pay say costs have put them off having treatment.
Campaign
Which?'s ‘Clean Up Dental Costs' campaign is calling on NHS England and regulators to make sure all dentists comply with existing rules and make information on prices clearly available, explain the treatment options properly, and make sure patients know whether or not their treatment is available on the NHS.
There are three standard charges for all NHS treatment, known as bands 1 (£18.50), 2 (£50.50) and 3 (£219).The costs are set annually by the Department of Health.
Band 1: This covers examination, diagnosis (including x-rays), scale and polish (if needed), application of fluoride or fissure sealant and preventative advice.
Band 2: Covers everything listed in band 1, plus further treatments such as fillings, root canal work or tooth removal.
Band 3: Covers everything in bands 1 and 2, plus treatments such as crowns dentures and bridges.
The Office of Fair Trading carried out a market study in 2012, which recommended the General Dental Council and NHS England enforce the displaying of price lists and provision of treatment plans, with the Care Quality Commission inspecting compliance.
However, Which? believes more needs to be done to ensure these rules are implemented. It said all dentists should:
• Prominently display prices in practices, on their websites, and in advance of treatment in a Treatment Plan.
• Clearly provide treatment options so patients can make an informed choice.
• Explain to NHS patients, and specify in treatment plans, whether treatment is NHS or private.
Richard Lloyd, executive director at Which? said:"A visit to the dentist is an essential health check for millions of people across the country.
"Most of us will need dental treatment throughout our lives and it's important that when that happens people feel clear about the nature of the treatment and what it will cost upfront. We are calling on the NHS and the regulators to clean up dental costs and make sure the existing rules are put into practice consistently."
Dr Steve Preddy, dental clinical director for Bupa UK said: "Our dentists regularly see the health problems caused by putting off dental treatment. In our recent dental survey, nearly a quarter (24%)* of respondents said they would actually be more likely to go to the dentist if they knew that there wouldn't be any hidden costs."
"We are committed to making sure our customers know the full cost of treatment before it goes ahead, so we welcome this campaign to improve transparency."
