05.05.11
Teeth-whitening controls contested
Controversy over teeth-whitening procedures has caused dentists to demand stricter controls. Currently, teeth-whitening can be conducted by staff with no formal training.
The law is unclear in this area, as when the 1984 Dentists Act was created, the process was relatively uncommon. It states that only dentists can perform dental procedures, but does not clarify whether this definition includes teeth whitening.
Lightening teeth using bleaching methods is usually done to remove stains from smoking, drinking and eating. Companies conducting this procedure argue that since it is for cosmetic reasons, it should not be classified as a dental procedure.
Yet, dentists suggest that lack of regulation is causing damage to patients’ teeth. General Dental Council (GDC) chief executive and registrar Evlynne Gilvarry said: "Over the last few years we have received hundreds of complaints from the public and dental professionals about poor tooth whitening."
Edward Mills, from the company Smart-Smile, told BBC 5 Live Breakfast: "I have never had a single complaint from a customer.
"I welcome further regulation of the industry, but think the GDC should only clamp down on non-dentists who use peroxide-based whitening treatments, and not the chlorine-dioxide treatments, which I use, because they are safe."
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