An investigation into the current practice of tooth whitening in a southern English city in the context of associated legal issues.
OBJECTIVE
This investigation examined the current practice of tooth whitening carried out by a sample of dentists and beauty therapists from Portsmouth in the context of the relevant law.


METHODS
A random sample of dentists and all beauty salons in Portsmouth were invited to respond to two postal questionnaires, one for dentists and one for beauty salons. These questionnaires were used to assess whether tooth-whitening services were offered and if so, details of products and techniques employed. The findings were analysed and compared with the current United Kingdom law on tooth whitening.


RESULTS
One hundred and seventy-nine dentists (88%) and 76 (75%) beauty salons responded. One hundred and nineteen (66%) of the responding dentists and eight (11%) responding beauty salons provided in-house and/or take-home tooth-whitening services. The vast majority employed whitening agents containing or releasing hydrogen peroxide at a concentration greater than that permitted by the Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 2008.


CONCLUSIONS
The current practice of tooth whitening by the dentists and beauty salons surveyed in this study is at odds with the criminal law that has been developed in order to safeguard consumers in relation to the products employed and the individuals carrying out the practice of dentistry. The practice also raises civil law issues, and compensation may be necessary in the event of injury. A change in the law, based on a scientific background and professional standards of care, is required at both European and domestic levels in order to align reasonable practice with the law, while upholding patient safety.
Beckett
Heather A
HA
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK. hbeckett53@hotmail.com
D001505:Beauty Culture / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D003416:Criminal Law; D003815:Dentists / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014073:Tooth Bleaching / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006113:United Kingdom