Teeth whitening

We lobbied the European Commission to remove all legal restrictions on dentists so they can carry out procedures in-line with accepted clinical practice.

Check out our facts and advice about teething whitening, to help support you and your team.

Who can do teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is the practice of dentistry and should only be done by regulated dental professionals.

Anyone who practises dentistry illegally risks being prosecuted by the General Dental Council in the criminal courts.

Dental hygienists and therapists can carry out teeth whitening on the prescription of a dentist if they have the necessary additional skills.

Specialist in Restorative Dentistry Linda Greenwall explains who can do teeth whitening in our short video:

The legal position: lobbying for dentistry

Historically, the legal position in Europe relating to teeth whitening has been confusing, with different interpretations of the EU Directive being applied in different European countries.

In the UK, a House of Lords Judgement in June 2001 confirmed that teeth whitening products were covered by the EU Cosmetics Directive and not the Medical Devices Directive.

Through the Council of European Dentists (CED), we lobbied the European Commission to remove all legal restrictions on dentists so they can carry out whitening procedures in line with accepted clinical practice.

The EU Cosmetics Directive was finally amended in 2011, and the UK Cosmetic Product (Safety) (Amendment) 2012 came into force on 31 October 2012.

What whitening agents can I use?

Products between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be supplied by a dentist and a clinical examination must be undertaken before use.

The UK regulations make no distinction between in-surgery whitening and the provision of home whitening kits. Due to serious concerns regarding the safety of sodium perborate- and chlorine dioxide-based whitening products, these whitening agents should not be used.

Can I treat under 18 year olds?

In May 2014, the General Dental Council updated its position on teeth whitening to state that products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide cannot be used on any person under the age of 18 years except where such use is intended wholly for the purpose of treating or preventing disease.

The BDA recommends consulting your defence organisation before providing any treatment to under 18 year olds.

Resources for dentists on teeth whitening

BDA members can access BDA advice Tooth whitening, covering detailed information on the legal levels of hydrogen peroxide, supply and use, penalties, whitening techniques and unmarked products.
Come to our CPD events focused on teeth whitening during the year, to help keep you up to date.
The BDA Library also holds a wealth of resources on teeth whitening, including books for loan, ebooks, and a round-up of journal articles and research.

Where can I get more information for my patients?

Our free teeth whitening poster is also available to put up in your surgery, available to print out in colour or in black and white, highlighting top tips on teeth whitening.
Information for patients on teeth whitening is also available from the Oral Health Foundation.
The General Dental Council provides information for patients on teeth whitening including a patient leaflet.
BDA NI supported ‘Protect your smile campaign" has been launched by the Department for the Economy and a number of other stakeholders. They have produced this hard hitting video.

Need more help or support?

Extra and Expert members can access tailored one-to-one advice by calling our advice team on 020 7563 4572 or email advice.enquiries@bda.org

Essential members wishing to upgrade their membership can do so online or call 020 7563 4550.

Keeping up-to-date

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