The introduction of direct access does not alter the legislation that was introduced in 2013 to allow tooth whitening to be undertaken using material that releases up to 6% hydrogen peroxide. The Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 continue to determine the legality of providing tooth whitening in dental practice. They state that products may only be sold to dental practitioners and that the first cycle of use must be by dental practitioners or under their direct supervision- ie. that a dentist should be on the premises when the first treatment is carried out.

Dental hygienists and therapists would therefore need to work to a dentist’s written prescription if tooth whitening is undertaken, using products that contain or release more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide.

Further details on tooth whitening can be found in Our position statement ‘Bleaching and Tooth Whitening by DCPs’

Click here to read our briefing document on Direct Access.

We actively encourage members to contact us for advice to provide peace of mind and to help prevent a concern or problem escalating.

Dental Protection does not use the number of requests for advice as part of its risk assessment of a member. This includes determining their membership subscription.

In exceptional cases, where a request for advice involves facts or circumstances of a highly unusual or unique nature it might trigger a general review of an individual’s risk profile. However, we stress that this would be very unusual.