The British Dental Association (BDA) is looking for an urgent meeting with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to decide concerns about the position trading standards officers are adopting in relation to the supply of teeth whitening products.

The BDA is conscious that a current investigation by trading standards at Essex County Council is having a major impact on the availability of hydrogen peroxide-based whitening products to dentists. This in turn adversely affects their ability to provide whitening treatments to their patients. This supply problem could mean that patients instead seek whitening treatments from non-dental professionals which is illegal and puts them in dangerous situations.

The recently-changed approach to the supply of whitening products, and particularly the impact it has on patient safety is a matter of great concern.

Stuart Johnston, Chair of the BDA’s Representative Body, said that this needs to be addressed immediately. A significant body of evidence demonstrates the safety of whitening products when used by trained dental professionals. When a rational and pragmatic approach is adopted it will lead in patient safety and enhanced safety procedures of teeth-whitening.