FEDCAR has backed the UK’s legal position on tooth whitening, encouraging it to be the standard approach across Europe.
The Federation of European Dental Competent Authorities and Regulators (FEDCAR) stated that ‘tooth whitening should only be only be provided under the supervision of a dental practitioner’, supporting the legal position in the UK.
‘This is great news for the dental profession and patients,’ Victoria Sheppard-Jones, interim head of illegal practice at the General Dental Council, said.
‘It endorses the UK legal position that tooth whitening is a complicated and potentially risky procedure and as such can only be undertaken by a qualified dental professional.
‘As always, we encourage anybody who is considering tooth whitening to check the register to ensure that the individual is legally allowed to do so before proceeding.’
Illegal tooth whitening
The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy recently reminded consumers of the huge dangers involved with unsafe whitening treatments.
This came after a number of fake tooth-whitening companies were exposed on the Fake Britain television programme, with research also showing that 28% of people would choose not to go to their dentist to get their teeth whitened.
‘The public need to be aware that unsafe and illegal tooth whitening can lead to severe chemical burns and the possibility of permanent scarring, hypersensitivity, tooth loss and in extreme cases affect the ability to eat and breathe,’ Michaela O’Neill, president of the BSDHT, said.
‘The Fake Britain show has done an excellent job in highlighting the severe dangers posed to consumers and we are imploring everyone to be vigilant when opting for tooth whitening or they could face life long consequences.
‘We are encouraging the public to be aware of these fake traders, which leave them with irreparable damage due to their false safety claims.
‘Their products are often highly dangerous and are not suitable for anyone to use, even dental professionals.’
