The Dos and Don’ts of Professional Tooth Whitening

Products containing or releasing up to 6% HP can be used, when following these dos and don’ts…

DO examine the patient’s teeth

It’s important that you are able to determine whether this is the most suitable solution for them, based on their problem, their needs and what they can afford.

So before any whitening course is agreed upon or started, carry out an initial examination of the patient’s teeth. Use this time to weigh up any potential risk factors and get to know their medical history.

And don’t forget to talk them through the treatment plan, including time frames, products, costs, and side effects.

DON’T risk your patient’s welfare

For some patients, cost is one of the biggest challenges standing in the way of them and their perfect smile. This can drive people to buy fake, non-regulated products online - or even turn to non-dental professionals for help.

Dental Protection also advise that practitioners make a detailed contemporaneous record of the examination and that the patient is provided with whitening instructions at the first appointment.

DON’T try and cheat the system with ‘Medical Devices’

Whilst some European manufacturers are marketing tooth whitening products with over 6% HP (contained or released) as medical devices, these still fall under the same laws.

Even if the product has a CE mark, it cannot circumvent the regulations - Cosmetic Products Regulations 2008, the 2012 Regulations and the EU Directive.

DO promote the treatment

Although there is an increasing demand for whiter, brighter smiles, some patients might be at a loss when it comes to understanding how they can achieve this.

Make sure you educate them on the solutions available and advise them on the most appropriate treatment for them.

And use this as an opportunity to promote and market your treatment options.

DON’T treat patients under the age of 18

The 2012 Regulations and EU Directive clearly state that professional whitening treatments cannot be used on patients under the age of 18.

If you do have a patient under the age of 18 that requires tooth whitening, contact Dental Protection to discuss your options.