A mother and son who claim they have given tooth whitening treatments to some of the stars of reality show TOWIE (The Only Way Is Essex) were in court this week accused of ‘unlawfully’ presenting themselves as dental professionals. Joanne Wheatley, 43, and her son Cane Wheatley, 23, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court facing allegations from the General Dental Council (GDC) that they ‘held themselves out to be prepared to practice dentistry.’
The pair has allegedly provided whitening treatment to many of the cast members of reality TV show TOWIE, as well as Geordie Shore’s Gary Beadle, who took part in advertising for Essex Smiles. The treatment cost ranged from £40 to £60. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges but Prosecutor Fallon Alexis told the court that neither Ms Wheatley nor her son were registered with the GDC and were therefore unlicensed to provide tooth whitening treatments.
According to the prosecution, undercover investigators posing as customers had their teeth whitened at the clinic and one of them was allegedly told by Ms Wheatley ‘you don’t have to be a dentist. It’s only tooth whitening.’ Another investigator told the court that the mother and son team gave the impression that a GDC registered dentist would be supervising the treatment, although the client’s mouth was not examined by a dental professional beforehand.
The case has been adjourned until February next year.