Dental hygienists and dental therapists can carry out tooth whitening on the prescription of a dentist if they have the necessary additional skills, says the GDC.
This clarification from the GDC follows its public consultation on the scope of practice of the dental team earlier this year. The consultation sought views on which groups of professionals should be able to do what, including tooth whitening.
“This explanation should provide clarity to registrants who advised us that they wanted clearer guidance on which members of the dental team could carry out tooth whitening,” GDC President Hew Mathewson says.
“This clarification, however, does not alter the GDC's position that tooth whitening carried out by non dental professionals is illegal,” he says.
The GDC also decided that taking impressions to a dentist's prescription and making bleaching trays to a dentist's prescription are within the scope of additional skills for dental nurses.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Linda Greenwall, Sia Mirfendereski and Edward Lynch are presenting their lecture The business of bleaching 2008on Monday 3 November at The Holiday Inn Bloomsbury. There is also an optional full day hands-on session on Saturday 8 November.
To book your place at the lecture or hands-on session call Independent Seminars on 0800 371 652 now.Alternatively you can emailseminars@fmc.co.ukor book online by going towww.independentseminars.com
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