A wealth of confusion surrounding UK dental practice has prompted the Office of Fair Trading to launch a serious investigation into the industry. And with prices just one of the things being looked at it comes as research reveals that 27% of us now visit the dentist less often than we did 5 years ago and one fifth of these people claim their main reason for this is because they cannot afford the charges.

This wide spread reluctance to seek dental help has now sparked severe concerns over our oral health. Tough financial times have seen families making cut backs across many of life’s amenities, and as a trip to the dentist costs at least £17, it would seem we are prepared to jeopardise our health in order to protect our pockets. Although having perfect teeth still ranks highly amongst image priorities, with ‘teeth whitening’ rated as the most popular type of cosmetic surgery in the country, many Brits are now choosing to neglect their teeth altogether due to their perception of incurring costly charges.

As patients demonstrate their unwillingness to fork out for NHS charges, the future of private dental treatment does not look promising, with England currently possessing the highest rates in Europe. The uncertainty faced by the dental industry means the OFT’s decision to intervene couldn’t have come at a better time. But whilst these excessive charges are put under the microscope, are there any options available for people who are being affected that will give them something to genuinely smile about?