The GDC regards tooth whitening as the practice of dentistry and it must only be carried out by a registered dentist or a dental hygienist or dental therapist on the prescription of a dentist.
The amendments to the EU Council Directive (76/768/EEC) affect the strength of chemicals used in tooth whitening products. They do not change the position of who can carry out tooth whitening lawfully. The GDC will continue to prosecute individuals who carry out tooth whitening illegally under the Dentists’ Act 1984.
The chief executive and registrar of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry, said:
“Tooth whitening undertaken by untrained and unregulated individuals carries significant risks. The only safe option is to consult a GDC-registered dentist. We have successfully prosecuted individuals for providing this treatment unlawfully and we will not hesitate to prosecute in future where there is evidence of unlawful practice.”
Patient advice
The GDC has a patient leaflet available online (www.gdc-uk.org ) and in print. It includes a useful list of questions for anyone considering tooth whitening.
- What types of tooth whitening are available and what are the differences between them?
- What sort of results can I expect?
- What can you do about stained veneers, crowns or dentures to make sure they match my natural teeth?
- What are the risks? Will it hurt?
- Who will be carrying out the procedure? What training and experience do they have?
- Is the work guaranteed for a certain length of time?
- What aftercare do you provide and who can I contact for advice after treatment?
- What happens if I am unhappy with the results? Who will pay for any work that is done to correct any problems?
- Who can I contact for advice after treatment?
- What kind of insurance do you have?
Anyone who has suffered harm as a result of tooth whitening should contact the GDC.
Successful prosecutions
In December 2011, the GDC successfully prosecuted Carl Espano for offering tooth whitening
treatments. Mr Espano was ordered to pay a total of £1,872 in fines and costs. In March 2011
Mr Paul Hill, director of Style Smile Clinics, entered a guilty plea to offences under the
Dentists’ Act 1984, including the practice of dentistry and was fined £6,765.
Research carried out for the General Dental Council in December 2010 found that eight out of 10 people would choose to have tooth whitening done at a dental surgery and think it should only be carried out by registered, trained and qualified dental professionals.