LONDON (Reuters) -The UK government on Tuesday urged the competition watchdog to launch an investigation into private dentistry costs and practices amid concerns that patients may be paying more than they should due to “hidden” charges.

Millions across Britain cannot get treatment from the state-run National Health Service, due to a shortage of dentists and problems with funding, leaving patients with a choice between expensive private care or no care.

Many Britons travel abroad for basic dental treatment.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves, who is set to announce her annual budget next week, said she had written to the Competition and Markets Authority, urging it to launch a market study into private dentistry costs and practices.

“There are increasing concerns that patients are paying mo

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