GDC and Thurrock trading standards stop sale of tooth whitening products
The General Dental Council (GDC) and Thurrock Trading Standards have stopped a leading high street retailer from selling tooth whitening services by individuals not on the register of dental professionals.
An investigation by the GDC found that sales assistants in the Hair and Beauty by Regis UK concession stands in Tesco stores were offering tooth whitening services; The GDC was concerned about this practice as only registered dental professionals should offer tooth whitening treatments.
In a separate investigation, Thurrock Trading Standards had concerns about tooth whitening products provided by the company Pearlys, which were being sold in Regis concessions in the Tesco Extra store in the Lakeside shopping centre.
The GDC and Thurrock Trading Standards spoke to Regis UK Limited and offered advice and guidance to help them to comply with the law in relation to the sale of products and the offers to provide tooth whitening treatment by unregistered individuals.
Regis has stated that it will no longer offer tooth whitening services, including within those concessions in any Tesco stores.
The Interim Head of Illegal Practice at the General Dental Council, Katie Spears, said that she is “pleased that Regis has decided to stop offering tooth whitening services.”
“The GDC will act to protect the public from potential harm. It is important that the public are aware that tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry and can only be legally and safely carried out by a registered dental professional,” she continued.
Spears advised that “If anyone is considering having tooth whitening, I would advise you to either speak to your dentist or have a look at our website to check if the person providing the advice is registered with us. Tooth whitening can only be provided by a qualified and registered dentist, or a dental hygienist, dental therapist or clinical dental technician working to the prescription of a dentist.”
