GDC expands tooth whitening duties

Dental hygienists and dental therapists can carry out tooth whitening on the prescription of a dentist if they have the necessary additional skills.

This clarification follows a 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.

This clarification, however, does not alter the GDC’s position that tooth whitening carried out by non dental professionals is illegal.

It has also been 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.