Is it legal for me to offer tooth whitening? Expand No, it is not legal for anyone other than a dentist (or dental hygienist or dental therapist working to the prescriptions of a dentist) to carry out tooth whitening.
Why is it not legal? Tooth whitening seems so simple! Expand Dental professionals train for many years to understand the strictures of the mouth, to recognise dental disease and to prescribe the correct treatment for each individual patient. The chemicals used to whiten the teeth could permanently damage the teeth and gums. To protect the public against this type of damage, the person providing the treatment must be fully dentally qualified and registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) .
I am not using hydrogen peroxide, so tooth whitening cannot be illegal, can it? Expand Yes, it doesn't matter whether hydrogen peroxide or non-peroxide is used, it's a view confirmed by the High Court that tooth whitening is dentistry. Subsequently, even if you are using below the legal limit of hydrogen peroxide or a product which does not release hydrogen peroxide, you will still be breaking the law and putting your clients at risk. Products used by a dental professional have been thoroughly tested for many years and have been proven to work without being harmful to the teeth or gums. At best, other untested products that you may be using will not be effective and at worst, they could cause permanent damage.
Would my insurance cover me if I carried out tooth whitening? Expand No. The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) states that they will not insure for tooth whitening as there is no government-recognised qualification for this treatment. It is very unlikely that any other insurance company would cover you for a treatment that has been proven in the High Court to be illegal.
Are there any training courses I can do? Expand No. The only way you can be qualified to perform tooth whitening (in the UK) is if you are a qualified dental professional and registered with the General Dental Council. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous companies see the huge, relatively untapped tooth whitening market and began selling training courses and products to unsuspecting beauticians. For £1,000-£2,000 anyone could ‘train’ to be a tooth whitening technician and receive a certificate to show that a day’s course had taught them to: Recognise all the structures of the mouth. Identify different filling materials. Identify crowns, bridges or veneers. Diagnose gum disease. Identify cavities. Identify unsuitable clients. As none of these things can be taught sufficiently in one day, these 'qualifications' invalid. It takes a dentist five-years to train.
What is the penalty for illegal tooth whitening? Expand All offences that violate the Dentists Act 1984 are punishable by an unlimited fine and conditional discharge in England and Wales. These cases are heard in the magistrates' courts. To date, the largest fine handed out has been in excess of £15,000. In total, 100% of illegal tooth whitening cases brought to court have been given a guilty verdict.