Tooth whitening - see your dentist first
We are here to make sure you get the best standards of care and that the public can be confident that the profession is being properly regulated.
Who can carry out tooth whitening?
We believe that tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry, which is limited to GDC registrants. We have started a test case to prove this in law.
If you’re thinking about getting tooth whitening, read
our leaflet and speak to your dentist. A dentist will be able to advise you whether or not you are suitable for tooth whitening treatment. Dentists, hygienists and therapists will be able to discuss the options available to patients along with a written estimation of treatment costs.
You can
search our registers to find a GDC registered dentist. You may wish to ask them questions about the training they have undertaken or ask for references from other patients before choosing whether to undergo treatment.
Complaints about tooth whitening
We investigate allegations of patient harm as a result of tooth whitening and, where we have enough evidence, we will proceed with prosecution. We will also take action against any of our registrants who are carrying out this procedure outside our
Scope of Practice guidance, which explains which members of the dental team should do this treatment.
If we receive information, we can instruct our solicitors to investigate and gather evidence. This evidence goes through a two stage test in accordance with the code for Crown Prosecutors.
- Is there sufficient evidence for there to be a realistic prospect of conviction?
- If there is, is it in the public interest to pursue the matter to a prosecution?
Where these two tests are passed, our solicitors can take the case to a Magistrates’ Court. A fine can be imposed if the prosecution is successful.
If you have a complaint which involves:
- documented evidence of patient harm;
- a patient who is, or may be, willing to co-operate with the GDC; or
- an allegation of registrant practice outside the scope of practice guidance.