Are your patients dreaming of safe whitening this Christmas?

Sadly, there are a number of people who go in search of a fresh, white smile, unaware of the strict regulations that govern teeth whitening treatments – and the risks they are taking with their dental health. Many an unwitting patient has fallen victim to the illegal teeth-whitening businesses that lurk in our high streets and shopping centres, selling their services. With a desire for a sparkly smile but a small budget, many make the mistake in believing that, because whitening is a cosmetic treatment, the procedure slots seamlessly into the remit of hairdressers, beauty therapists and so on. But, as a dental professional, it is our job to raise awareness of the fact that these pop-up whitening kiosks and beauty salons are all breaking the law in offering this service. The regulations are black and white on teeth whitening – put simply, only a qualified and registered member of the dental profession can carry it out and, anyone else who offers it is practising dentistry illegally. Unqualified and unsafe, they run the risk of not only being prosecuted in the criminal courts, but also doing serious harm to the teeth of our patients. And guess who'll be picking up the pieces and see the damage done?