Teeth whitening, Botox and dermal fillers are set to be included in a major review of cosmetic surgery and procedures following the PIP breast impact scandal.
The British Dental Association and the General Dental Council will submit evidence to the Department of Health as part of its consultation into the cosmetic surgery industry, they confirmed to Dentistry.
It follows the recent PIP scandal, where thousands of women were given breast implants containing substandard material.
The review will be led by NHS Medical Director, Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, and will examine whether the right amount of regulation is in place, if patients have the right amount of information before opting for surgery and how to make sure patients get the right aftercare.
Contained in the consultation document are specific references to teeth whitening and botox but the definition of cosmetic interventions could include other dental treatments such as dental implants.
Dr Martin Fallowfield, chair of the BDA's Principal Executive Committee, said: 'Recent years have seen growing patient interest in treatments that enhance their appearance, as well as their health. That is unsurprising.
In dentistry, we know that an attractive smile can greatly enhance a patient's confidence and life chances. Dentists have responded to patient demand with the provision of a number of treatments that can improve the appearance of smiles.
'The BDA supports appropriate, proportionate regulation, and will be providing a full response to this consultation.'
Recommendations will be made to government by March 2013.
Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, who is leading the English review said: 'The recent problems with PIP breast implants have shone a light on the cosmetic surgery industry. Many questions have been raised, particularly around the regulation of clinics, whether all practitioners are adequately qualified, how well people are advised when money is changing hands, aggressive marketing techniques, and what protection is available when things go wrong.
'I am concerned that too many people do not realise how serious cosmetic surgery is and do not consider the lifelong implications it can have. That's why I have put together this review committee to advise me in making recommendations to government on how we can better protect people who choose to have surgery or cosmetic interventions.
'We want to hear views from everyone, particularly people who have experience of the cosmetic surgery industry or of other cosmetic interventions – good and bad – so we can learn what works best.'
