• What types of tooth whitening are available and what are the differences between them?


• What sort of results can I expect? • What are the risks? Will it hurt?


You can help us to spread the word by


putting copies of the leaflet in your waiting rooms. Copies can be ordered through the GDC’s website (see www.tinyurl.com/cc7qtga). We were also pleased to find that in the


results of some research carried out on our behalf, 8 out of 10 people would choose to have tooth whitening done at a dental surgery and think it should only be carried out by registered, trained and qualified dental professionals. Seventy five per cent of the people who took part in the survey also said they thought the GDC should prosecute anyone carrying out tooth whitening illegally.


Changes from Europe And finally in September 2011, the GDC welcomed the Council of the European Union’s decision to amend Directive 76/768/EEC, which relates to the percentages of hydrogen peroxide used in tooth whitening or bleaching products (see box). All of the GDC’s registrants have a


responsibility to “maintain their professional knowledge and competence” as explained in our Standards for Dental Professionals document. Standard 5.4 states: “Find out about laws and regulations which affect your work, premises, equipment and business and follow them.”


nShareen Larmour is a solicitor and head of illegal practice prosecutions at the GDC


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“Tooth whitening may only lawfully be provided by those who are registered dental professionals”


Agreement on whitening products


THE European Council reached an agreement in September 2011 over the use of tooth whitening products by dentists. It was agreed that regulations would be put in place stating that products containing or releasing more than 0.1 per cent hydrogen peroxide cannot be provided directly to the consumer.


Whitening products between 0.1 and 6 per cent hydrogen peroxide will only be available to patients following an examination and a first episode of treatment provided or supervised by a dentist. This is to ensure that patients are able to use products provided to them properly at home.


The move was welcomed by the British Dental Association who had campaigned for clarification on the rules governing tooth whitening by dentists.


Early in 2011, trading standards officers in Essex County Council launched a crackdown on the use of whitening products which temporarily restricted the supply of hydrogen peroxide-based products to dentists. An agreement was then reached in June 2011 when trading standards eased restrictions, allowing GDC registrants to use the products.


The European Council’s September agreement served to further clarify the issue for dental professionals. But the agreement did not change the official position on products containing more than 6 per cent hydrogen peroxide which remain illegal to use.


nJoanne Curran, MDDUS


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