02/06/2025
Tooth Whitening and Facial Aesthetics
We wanted to make a post regarding our stance on the rise of illegal tooth whitening and facial aesthetic practise and make you aware of some of the guidelines related to these topics.
As of the 1st of June 2025, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) have strengthened their position on remote prescribing of non-surgical cosmetic medicines and aesthetic emergency items
What does this mean?
Botulinum Toxin A, commonly referred to as Botox, is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) and therefore can only be prescribed by a registered medical professional.
The NMC state that from the 1st of June 2025 a registered medical professional must have a face to face consultation with the patient/client before prescribing the POM for use. This also includes the POM reversal agent for dermal fillers, hyaluronidase.
Who can prescribe?
Doctors, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and midwives with the appropriate prescribing qualification. All professionals must be registered with their appropriate regulatory body (GMC, GDC, NMC etc).
Tooth Whitening
As a team of qualified and registered dental professionals, we take a particularly strong stance regarding illegal tooth whitening practise, as do the General Dental Council.
The GDC state “Dentists train for several years to safely offer this treatment. They are able to assess whether a patient is suitable for the treatment, whether there are reasons that they should not have it and they can intervene if an emergency situation arises. Someone who has done a short training course cannot offer this treatment legally or safely. You may be placing yourself at risk of harm if you see someone who is not properly qualified and registered”
Delivering illegal tooth whitening is a criminal offence and those providing these services can be prosecuted in criminal court.
Who can prescribe tooth whitening?
Only dentists can prescribe tooth whitening. You must have a consultation with your dentist to assess suitability prior to prescribing.
Who can deliver tooth whitening?
Dentists and dental hygienists, dental therapists and clinical dental technicians working under the prescription of the dentist and following initial consultation with the dentist.
More Information can be found on these useful links
https://www.nmc.org.uk/news/news-and-updates/nmc-to-update-position-on-remote-prescribing-of-non-surgical-cosmetic-medicines/
https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/standards-for-post-registration/standards-for-prescribers/useful-information-for-prescribers/
https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/information-for-patients-public/tooth-whitening-and-illegal-practice
https://www.gdc-uk.org/raising-concerns/illegal-practice-and-reporting-it
Anyone not registered with the GDC who offers dental services is practising illegally. This includes offering dental treatment or advice, tooth whitening, dentures and braces. They must not call themselves dentists or other dental titles, or receive payment for dental treatments or advice.
