Tooth-whitening company prosecuted

A representative of Pearl National pleaded guilty at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court today (Friday).

The Company was charged under section 43 of the Dentists’ Act 1984, which states: 'A body corporate commits an offence if it carries on the business of dentistry at a time when a majority of its directors are not persons who are either registered dentists or registered dental care professionals.'

It was alleged:

  • That Pearl Teeth Whitening Limited (trading as Pearl National), did unlawfully carry on the business of dentistry at various locations in England and Wales between the 17 January 2011 and the 15 May 2012 at a time when a majority of its directors were not and are not persons who are either registered dentists or registered dental care profession.

This is Contrary to Section 43 (1) and (3) of the Dentists Act 1984.

During sentencing, District Judge Bennett said: 'It is clear from their website that Pearl National operated from a large number of locations and from the facts of the case presented to me, that they employed unqualified people to provide teeth whitening to their customers.'

He added that it occurred to him that the company 'must have received a lot of money and had never filed accounts at Companies House'.

The court has fined the firm £3,500 and ordered them to pay £4,000 towards the GDC costs.

Anyone considering having tooth whitening should see their GDC-registered dentist so that the dentist can assess whether treatment would be right or appropriate for them. Registered dental hygienists and dental therapists can also carry out tooth whitening on the prescription of a dentist.

Free copies of the GDC’s patient leaflet 'CConsidering tooth whitening' can be ordered from the GDC’s website www.gdc-uk.org

You can check your dental professional is registered by visiting the GDC website: www.gdc-uk.org or by calling 0845 222 4141

Reporting illegal tooth whitening

If you would like to report someone you believe to be practising illegally you can do so by sending an email to [email protected], by calling 0845 222 4141 or by writing to:

Illegal Practice

The General Dental Council

44 Baker Street

London

W1U 7AL

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