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OFT study of dentistry market finds consumer and competition concerns

By  |  May 28, 2012

A market study of the dentistry market by the U.K. Office of Fair Trading has raised a number of consumer and competition issues. The study found that patients do not have enough information to make informed decisions about their choice of dentist and their dental treatments. In addition, restrictions preventing patients from directly accessing dental care professionals without a referral may harm competition. The lack of time limits on NHS dental contracts create high entry barriers for new dentists.

The OFT recommends, among other changes, improving information quality and delivery for patients and removing the restrictions on direct patient access to dental care professionals.

Full content: OFT Press Release

 

Related content: Will the New U.K. Competition and Markets Authority Make Better Antitrust Decisions? (Bruce Lyons, ESRC Centre Competition Pol’y, Univ. of E. Anglia)

 

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