CADE signs 15 agreements with Brazilian Dental Councils

On 26 November, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) signed 15 cease and desist agreements with Regional Dental Councils in Brazil, investigated for alleged influence on dental services free pricing.     The agreements are part of an investigation launched to examine practices that could restrict competition in the sector. 

The case started after an individual reported a possible noncompliance with a decision on the matter previous made by CADE. According to the complaint, the Federal Dental Council promoted a post on its website and Instagram profile associating the granting of discounts on dental services with a series of disciplinary offences, which were partially or fully reproduced by others 24 councils. 

In March 2025, the Office of the Superintendent General at CADE (SG) launched an investigation and determined, as a preventive measure, the removal of the posts, as well as the suspension of disciplinary proceedings based on the offer of discounts by dental surgeons. The councils expressed interest in negotiating consensual solutions, resulting in the cease and desist agreements proposals approved by the agency. 

Therefore, the 15 entities committed to pay an amount of BRL 1,655,000.00 to the Fund for De Facto Joint Rights (FDD).   The amounts were determined based on criteria of proportionality, economic capacity, and CADE’s case law. 

In addition, the commitments established provide that the councils shall refrain from initiating new disciplinary proceedings, and shall close existing proceedings dealing with the offering of discounts or special payment terms, except in the cases provided for in specific legislation prohibiting the advertising of prices or free services. Also, the entities must communicate the content of the agreements, make them available on their websites, and cooperate with CADE while they are in force.