Staff at Belfast City Council have noticed an increase in the number of places offering tooth whitening and have issued a warning to the public about the dangers of businesses providing illegal treatments. Anyone who wants to carry out the cosmetic dental treatment has to be registered with the General Dental Council; it is illegal for anyone without the proper qualifications to offer tooth whitening to patients.
A spokesperson for the council said ‘any business which offers tooth whitening without being registered with the GDC is breaking the law. If the council becomes aware of an individual or business offering this service illegally, we must inform the GDC which may bring legal proceedings.’
Businesses have also been warned that council staff will be visiting them to make sure that they are complying with the legislation. If any providers are found to be in breach of the law they could face a fine of up to £20,000. Letters have been sent to businesses across Belfast to remind them of the law and how they should be providing teeth whitening in accordance with it; which states that they must be a dental professional that is registered with the GDC.