Northampton man prosecuted by the General Dental Council for providing illegal tooth whitening
A Northampton man has been prosecuted by the General Dental Council after offering illegal tooth whitening treatment. Jack Sellick, the owner of Essex Smiles, pleaded guilty to providing the service at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court.
The General Dental Council started an investigation after receiving a complaint in September 2017. In March 2018, undercover representatives visited Mr Sellick and were offered illegal whitening treatment. Under the Dentists Act 1984, anyone who offers dental treatment of any kind is required to be fully trained and registered with the GDC. Tooth whitening should therefore only be offered by qualified dental therapists, hygienists and dentists.
Head of Illegal Practice at the GDC, Katie Spears, said that the purpose of investigating illegal services is to protect the public. Tooth whitening is a treatment that should be administered by trained dentists who have the experience and the expertise to achieve results in a safe, hygienic setting. Illegal dentistry poses serious health risks, especially in cases where patients are not suitable candidates for a specific treatment.
In court, Mr Sellick pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him, and he was ordered to pay £4,500.
This recent example is the latest in a string of similar cases, as the GDC looks to clamp down on illegal dentistry in the UK.
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