Dentists face jail over 'whitening'

Dentists face jail over 'whitening'

Dentists were warned about the ruling

Dentists face legal action and even jail for whitening their patients' teeth.

Teeth whitening has become very popular in the US, with Hollywood Stars Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta Jones and singer Britney Spears said to have used the technique.

But EU law means UK dentists could be flouting the law if they carry out the same treatments as dentists in the US.

And they could face either a £5,000 fine or six months in jail if they offer the treatment, which involves applying bleaching gel to the surface of the teeth and using a mouth mould.

Bleach

The EU is concerned about the amount of concentrated bleach used in the treatment and has said that it is illegal to supply hydrogen peroxide bleach at greater than 0.1.%.

But treatment kits given in surgeries use on average 6%.

Bleaching is incredibly safe

Jo Tanner, of the BDA

British Dental Association (BDA) spokeswoman Jo Tanner said its members were warned of the problems last year.

"We warned them that because if a loophole in the law, they run the risk of prosecution, should a zealous trading officer choose to go for it.

"The chief dental officer at the time then sent an open letter saying that the Department of Health would not pursue any prosecution.

"But it's not their remit. It is the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI).

Clarification

"We have been in discussion with the DTI and would like to see some kind of resolution on this. Bleaching is incredibly safe."

A spokeswoman from the DTI said: "If dentists are using a formulation which exceeds 0.1% they are breaking the law.

"The EU's Scientific Advisory Committee was considering raising the permitted level to 0.65."

Mervyn Druian, a dentist specialising in cosmetic surgery, said the ruling made dentists a "laughing stock".

"When we go to the States, they think it's absolutely ridiculous.

"There have never been any problems with the peroxide and we thought this whole issue had settled down.

"If you're going to drink the stuff there is a health risk, but we're very, very cautious about how we use it and there has never been a problem.

"When you look at pictures of Catherine Zeta Jones and Mel Gibson now compared to a couple of years ago, they look absolutely radiant.

"That's because of their teeth."