Mother and daughter fined for offering illegal tooth whitening at Rye salon

Jayne and Tiffany Beach pleaded guilty to offering illegal tooth whitening at Perfectly Polished Nail and Beauty Boutique, in Rope Walk, and were ordered to pay almost £4,000 by Hastings Magistrates’ Court.

Following a complaint received in May 2018 from a member of the public who suffered extreme pain, bleached and sore gums as a result of the illegal treatment, the General Dental Council (GDC) launched an investigation.

In ruling, the magistrate said: “This was a serious offence with lots of aggravating features, which caused a lot of pain and discomfort to the complainant.”

Under the Dentists Act 1984 and following the High Court’s ruling in GDC v Jamous, the legal position in relation to tooth whitening is very clear – the treatment can only be performed by a dentist or a dental therapist, dental hygienist or a clinical dental technician working to the prescription of a dentist.

Katie Spears, head of In-House Appeals and Criminal Enforcement at 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.

“The GDC takes reports of the illegal practice of dentistry very seriously and, where appropriate, will prosecute in the criminal courts.”

Tiffany Beach, owner of Perfectly Polished salon, was fined £1,173 and ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge. Tiffany Beach was also ordered to pay costs to the GDC of £1,098.20. Jayne Beach was fined £320 and ordered to pay a £32 victim surcharge. Jayne Beach was also ordered to pay costs to the GDC of £1,098.20.

Anyone considering tooth whitening should first check the register of dental professionals on the GDC’s website to ensure the individual offering the treatment is qualified to do so.

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