ILLEGAL TOOTH WHITENING-ALWAYS SEE A QUALIFIED DENTAL PROFESSIONAL

GDC wins first-ever 'illegal' tooth whitening case

25th Mar 2011 -DENTISTRY MAGAZINE

In the first case of its kind,he UK's dental regulator has successfully prosecuted a clinic's boss for 'illegally' performing tooth whitening.The General Dental Council (GDC) regards this cosmetic treatment as the practice of dentistry and won its case against national chain, Style Smile Clinics.Under the Dentists Act 1984, it is an offence for non-registrants to practise or be prepared to practise dentistry.

The GDC launched the case last year after it received hundreds of complaints from members of the public and dental professionals about tooth whitening treatment being provided by individuals who are not registered dental professionals.

Chief executive and registrar of the GDC, Evlynne Gilvarry, says: ‘This case has significant implications for the dental profession and for public protection.'
The GDC will now consider its position carefully with regards to the hundreds of other complaints about the illegal practice of dentistry that it has received.
‘We are concerned about the risk to the public posed by such potentially hazardous treatment being provided by people without the training and qualifications necessary for registration as a dental professional.

Dentelle offers professional teeth whitening - carried out safely.