Michael Farrow highlights the dangers of illegal treatments and explains why we must educate patients on the risks of DIY whitening and promote safe, dentist-prescribed products.
Despite the fact that it is illegal for anyone not registered with the GDC to perform tooth whitening, a recent survey found that 77% of dental professionals believe there needs to be more public awareness around the legality and safety of whitening (The Dental Survey). This highlights the need for more work by dental professionals to raise patient awareness of the hazards of DIY tooth whitening systems and the necessity of only using trusted and reliable products prescribed by the practitioner.
The consequences arising from illegal whitening can be severe, not just for the user, who may suffer physically, but also for those supplying the treatments, who can end up with a criminal record.
In 2018, the GDC prosecuted 31 individuals across the UK, which included fines and costs of more than £11,000. The GDC go as far as employing private detectives to gather evidence that these people are illegally whitening teeth, resulting in prosecution under the Dentists Act 1984.
Tooth whitening systems have been in the headlines once again after retail giant Amazon removed its best-selling kit from sale following reports revealing that it contained sodium perborate, a chemical banned by the European Union for cosmetic use. The chemical has been banned for nearly a decade, and studies have shown that it can damage fertility and harm unborn babies. This case further highlights how vital it is for the public only to use safety-proven products in consultation with their dentist.
Effectively marketing whitening in your practice involves informing and educating patients about getting the desired results and reinforcing that, legally, only treatments prescribed by a registered dental professional containing up to 6% hydrogen peroxide and 16% carbamide peroxide can achieve this.
As the demand for cosmetic treatments increases, promoting and educating your patients about the legality of tooth whitening within your practice will make them more aware of the treatments available to them and the potential risks and consequences of going elsewhere.
Companies like SDI provide ready-made materials, such as posters, leaflets, stands, and stickers, to market their professional tooth-whitening options effortlessly. Displaying these in reception and treatment rooms can help raise awareness of this treatment. SDI also offers in-house ‘Lunch & Learn’ training sessions to help dental practices understand the benefits of the Pola whitening system and how to inform and educate patients effectively.
Book your FREE ‘Lunch & Learn’ about SDI’s range of professional Pola tooth whitening systems here, or visit our product page to learn more.
[i] The Dental Survey 2018