Teeth Whitening Interim Policy

The Dental Board of Australia has begun a process to review and consolidate its interim policy on teeth whitening/bleaching.

On 24 April, 2012 the ADA sent correspondence to the Dental Board of Australia (DBA) requesting clarification in regards to the term ‘used’ in its’s teeth whitening interim policy. The ADA has also requested the Australian Competition and Consume Commission reconsider its input into the policy, and note the ADA’s view that whether or not teeth whiteners (of any concentration) are administered under the dentists’ direct supervision with a practice, or whether such courses of treatment are subsequently prescribed to that patient for their self-administered use in the home by the dentist – the ADA’s view is that the dental profession has the appropriate qualifications and expertise to not only apply such products in surgery, but to also give sufficient directions to patients on their own (self) use of these products outside of the dental practice.

The DBA has responded to the ADA’s correspondence of 24 April 2012, and have stated that it has begun a process to review and consolidate its interim policy on teeth whitening/bleaching. An expert reference group has been established to provide advice to it about a number of issues related to therapeutic agents. The DBA has asked this group to undertake some research with respect to teeth whitening/bleaching, which will be used to inform the review of its interim policy. The issues the ADA have raised in previous correspondence will be considered during the review of the interim policy.

For queries pertaining to the DBA’s interim policy or feedback, please contact bryan.nguyen@ada.org.au