Illegal tooth whitener pleads guilty The UK regulator of dental practice, the General Dental Council (GDC), has successfully prosecuted a woman for unlawfully practising dentistry – namely tooth whitening. By law all dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, dental hygienists, dental therapists and orthodontic therapists must be registered with the GDC to work in the UK. This is to ensure only appropriately qualified and skilled dental professionals are part of the dental team looking after patients. On Tuesday 5 August 2014 Mrs Angela Johnson pleaded guilty at Beverley Magistrates’ Court to unlawfully practising dentistry contrary to section 38 (1) and (2) of the Dentists Act 1984, namely tooth whitening. The offence took place on 15 May 2014 at Wide Smile, Foot Health & Well Being Clinic, 1st Floor, 29 The Weir, Hessle, North Humberside HU13 0SB. Mrs Johnson, who has never been registered with the GDC, was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay costs to the GDC of £2,000. She must also pay a £15 victim impact surcharge. In delivering the verdict, the Magistrates stated: We accept some responsibility lies with Pearlys, but had you responded to the General Dental Council’s first warning letter you would not find yourself here. Tooth whitening is the practice of dentistry. This means that, in accordance with the law, it must only be carried out by registered dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists and clinical dental technicians (working to the prescription of a dentist). Patients can check their dental professional is registered by logging on to the GDC’s website.
Posted on: Mon, 11 Aug 2014 08:44:39 +0000