05 December 2018

Brenda McFadyen, 63, was fined £1,000 at Glasgow Sheriff Court for the illegal dentistry after a complaint from a member of the public sparked a probe by the General Dental Council (GDC). 

Teeth whitening can only be performed by a dentist, dental therapist, dental hygienist or clinical dental technician.

Katie Spears, of the General Dental Council, said: “Our primary purpose at the GDC is to protect the public from harm.

“Illegal tooth whitening represents a real risk as those who carry it out are neither qualified to assess a patient’s suitability for the treatment nor are they able to intervene should an emergency arise.

“When we receive a report of illegal practice, we seek to educate those involved about the dangers and the law in relation to tooth whitening.

“Where our efforts are ignored, as in the case of Ms McFadyen, we will, where appropriate, prosecute in the criminal courts.”