Under the guidance of the Tooth Whitening Information Group, a new website – www.safetoothwhitening.org – aims to educate and inform members of the profession still uncertain about the new law on what constitutes legal tooth whitening.
The site will also act as a resource for members of the public and allows for the reporting of illegal tooth whitening being carried out by beauticians and other non-dental professionals.
In addition illegal sale of tooth whitening products containing more than 0.1% peroxide to anyone other than a dental professional or direct to the public can be reported. In a recent case a prosecution of an internet company selling peroxide based products at up to 30 times the permitted limited resulted in an 18 month jail sentence.
The website also has informative and easy to understand information on all aspects of tooth whitening for potential customers, including a full and detailed breakdown of exactly what the law is.
The group, formed of a number of leading dental bodies, has been concerned about the continued advertising and promotion of illegal tooth whitening treatments since 31 October 2012, when the EU Council Directive announced that tooth whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1 and six per cent hydrogen peroxide can now only be sold to a registered dental professional with the first application to be carried out under a dentist’s supervision in the practice.
Dr Nigel Carter, chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, said: 'Since the ruling was announced it has become clear many people offering tooth whitening are still unaware of the rules and are practising illegally.
'Tooth whitening is a dental procedure. This has recently been confirmed by the High Court following action by the General Dental Council against a beautician carrying out tooth whitening. Following this clarification of the law the website will help to inform and educate members of the profession who may be unaware of what the new regulations are. There’s a downloadable buyer’s guide that gives potential customers valuable information on what to look out for if they are considering having the treatment. It also contains detailed information on what the law is and how to make sure you are operating within those guidelines.'
To find out more about safe tooth whitening, to report an issue of illegal practice or supply or for further information on the law surrounding tooth whitening, please visit www.safetoothwhitening.org
