The GDC have just announced that they have successfully prosecuted a clinic’s boss for illegally performing tooth whitening. This has been an issue for quite a while, with individuals claiming to be qualified in the tooth whitening procedure, when in fact they have not been.
The GDC rightly classes tooth whitening as “the practice of dentistry” and won its case against Mr. Paul William Hill, the Director of PW Healthcare Consulting Ltd, which trades nationally as Style Smile Clinics. Mr. Hill pleaded guilty to four offences, including practicing dentistry while not being registered as a dentist or dental care professional between 02/10/10 and 11/03/11. As we all know, it is an offence for non-registrants to practise or be prepared to practise dentistry under the Dentists’ Act 1984.
According to the GDC website, the GDC launched the case against Mr Hill and PW Healthcare Consulting Ltd last year after it received hundreds of complaints from members of the public and dental professionals about tooth whitening being provided by individuals who are not registered dental professionals.
The GDC then began criminal proceedings under the Dentists Act 1984 on the grounds that tooth whitening may only lawfully be provided by those who are registered dental professionals.
There are also charges relating to two other people and one other company, which have been adjourned until 18 May.
At the moment, only Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists can perform tooth whitening, with Dental Hygienists and Therapists having to be suitably trained first. There are some dental clinics and beauty salons offering tooth whitening at reduced rates, which will certainly appeal to a lot of patients. Some will be unfortunately be practising illegally as we now know, others will be correctly hiring Dentists and suitably qualified DCP’s to carry out the treatment for them. It is our responsibility to advise and protect patients who are considering tooth whitening.
How can we protect patients against rogue tooth whitening organizations?
- Educate and inform patients in-surgery about the tooth whitening treatment and procedure and how only registered and suitably qualified individuals can carry out the treatment.
- Have information available in reception areas, e.g. leaflets and posters, which inform patients about the above.
- Advise patients and enquirers asking about tooth whitening being offered in beauty salons or non-dental clinics to make sure that the clinician is suitably qualified and registered.