The General Dental Council prosecute Beautician over tooth whitening

The General Dental Council (GDC) has successfully prosecuted a beautician for carrying out tooth whitening, which is the practice of dentistry.

Only those registered with the GDC – specifically dentists or dental hygienists and therapists working on a dentist’s prescription – may lawfully offer tooth whitening as a treatment.

On Friday 3 August 2012 Elaine Taylor-Valles of Merseyside faced two charges at Preston Magistrates’ Court.

It was alleged:

She unlawfully practised dentistry by carrying out tooth whitening in Southport when she was not registered with the GDC contrary to the Dentists Act 1984;

She unlawfully carried on the business of dentistry when she is not entitled to do so contrary to the Dentists Act 1984.

The GDC investigated after receiving a complaint from a member of the public about the manner in which her teeth had been whitened. During correspondence with the GDC, Ms Taylor-Valles admitted to being a ‘fully qualified beautician’, a title which is not recognised by the GDC.

The court has fined her £600 on each of the offences below and ordered her to pay £3,277 towards the GDC costs.

Advice for the public

Anyone considering having tooth whitening should see their GDC-registered dentist so they can assess whether treatment would be right or appropriate for them. Registered dental hygienists and dental therapists can also carry out tooth whitening on the prescription of a dentist.

Free copies of the GDC’s patient leaflet “Considering tooth whitening” can be ordered from the GDC’s website www.gdc-uk.org

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