GDC launches illegal tooth whitening awareness campaign

The General Dental Council (GDC) is launching a new public campaign designed to improve awareness of the risks involved with illegal tooth whitening procedures.

It is being conducted in response to hundreds of complaints in recent months from dentists and members of the public over tooth whitening treatments being offered by individuals without professional dental qualifications.

The GDC is aiming to reinforce the point that this procedure can potentially bring significant risks when undertaken by someone without the requisite expertise.

According to a December 2010 survey by the body, this fact is understood by 80 percent of patients, with the majority of believing that those who fail to comply should be prosecuted.

Evlynne Gilvarry, chief executive and registrar of the GDC, said: "We have successfully prosecuted individuals for providing this treatment unlawfully and we will not hesitate to launch further prosecutions in the future."

The launch of this campaign is in line with plans announced at the British Dental Conference and Exhibition earlier this year, where illegal tooth whitening was among the topics of discussion.