As part of National Smile Month the General Dental Council (GDC) is advising patients not to have their teeth whitened unless a dentist has assessed whether such treatment is right for them.
They have issued a statement explaining that it is important patients are fully aware of what to expect and how it can be conducted safely.
Tooth whitening may only lawfully be provided by those who are registered dental professionals; specifically dentists, or dental hygienists or dental therapists working to a dentist’s prescription.
The GDC has successfully prosecuted two cases in the criminal courts in the last 12 months involving individuals who were not registered with the GDC and therefore were not entitled to undertake tooth whitening.
The GDC will continue to prosecute these cases and is reminding the public to alert it to any concerns they may have that tooth whitening is being undertaken unlawfully.
A leaflet is available to download from the GDC’s website offering advice to anyone who is considering tooth whitening treatment at www.gdc-uk.org.