The Romanian Competition Council has launched (27 January) an investigation into potential breaches of competition law by the Romanian College of Dentists. The inquiry focuses on alleged practices that could distort competition in the dental services market, including price-setting, recruitment restrictions, and limitations on patient incentives.
Unannounced Inspections Conducted
As part of the investigation, unannounced inspections were carried out at the headquarters of the Romanian College of Dentists and its Iași branch. These inspections were authorized by the Bucharest Court of Appeal to uncover evidence relevant to the allegations.
The council emphasized that the inspections are procedural and do not imply guilt on the part of the organizations involved.
Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices
The Romanian College of Dentists is suspected of engaging in several practices that may violate competition laws:
- Minimum Fee Setting: Indications suggest the College may have set minimum fees for services provided by its members, potentially restricting price competition.
- No-Poach Agreements: The College is also suspected of imposing restrictions on recruiting personnel between dental practices. This alleged “no-poach” arrangement could reduce competition for skilled dental labor, hinder workforce mobility, and suppress wages below market rates.
- Patient Discounts and Benefits: The College is believed to have restricted dental practices from offering discounts or other benefits to attract or retain patients, limiting consumer choice and stifling competition.
Broader Implications
These practices, if proven, could violate Romanian competition law, which prohibits agreements, decisions, or practices that restrict competition by setting prices or trading conditions.
The Competition Council’s investigation highlights its commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive market, benefiting both professionals and consumers.
Next Steps
The Council will analyze the evidence collected during the inspections to determine whether the alleged practices occurred and if they constitute violations of competition law. Any confirmed breaches could result in sanctions against the Romanian College of Dentists.
For further information, the Competition Council reminds the public that its investigation does not assume guilt and aims to clarify the practices in question.
Source: https://www.consiliulconcurentei.ro/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Eng-serv-stoma-ian-2025.pdf
