Who should I contact if I need more advice on the EU law on tooth whitening? Expand Contact your indemnity insurance provider, or get independent legal advice.
What will happen if I break the law? Expand The GDC does not bring criminal prosecutions for breaches of the Regulations because Trading Standards are responsible for this. However, the GDC is concerned with the fitness to practice of its members. It takes the view that if a practitioner has committed a criminal offence, this must be relevant to any assessment of that practitioners fitness to practice whether or not there has been a prosecution. Therefore, if we receive information or a complaint that a registrant is using a product for cosmetic reasons that has more than the 6% limit they may face fitness-to-practice proceedings. They can also expect to have the matter referred to the relevant Trading Standards department.
Will I need indemnity insurance to carry out tooth whitening? Expand If you are registered with the GDC you need indemnity insurance for any treatment you provide.
Can a dentist use a higher percentage of hydrogen peroxide than 6%? Expand Not for cosmetic reasons alone. Concentrations higher than 6% of hydrogen peroxide present or released in oral products, including tooth-whitening or bleaching products, are illegal unless they are used wholly for treating or preventing disease. It is a criminal offence to breach the Regulations.
Who can buy products containing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide for tooth whitening? Expand Tooth-whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be sold to dental practitioners. For each cycle of use, the first use can only be carried out by dental practitioners or under their direct supervision if an equivalent level of safety is ensured.
When would tooth whitening be appropriate? Expand Tooth whitening would be appropriate under the following circumstances: You have carried out an appropriate clinical examination to make sure that there are no risk factors or any other oral pathology concerns. Exposure to these products is limited, to make sure that the products are only used as intended in terms of how often and how long they are applied. The products are not directly available to the consumer, but only through a dentist, dental hygienist or dental therapist.
What tooth-whitening products are available over the counter? Expand Products containing or releasing less than 0.1% of hydrogen peroxide, including mouth rinses, toothpastes and tooth-whitening or bleaching products, are safe and will continue to be freely available on the market.
What is the legal age limit for tooth whitening? Expand You cannot use products containing or releasing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide on any person under 18 years of age.
What products can I use as a dentist to carry out the tooth whitening? Expand You can legally use products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide. This equates to between 0.3% and 16.62% carbamide peroxide.