New teeth whitening product laws to end confusion about concentrations

New laws that will come into force on 1 May 2013 will conclude the more than yearlong debate over regulations governing the supply of teeth whitening products. Importantly, in a win for dental practitioners, no restrictions will be placed on the concentrations of peroxide-based whitening products either used in dental practices or dispensed from practices as part of take-home treatments.

"This decision is welcomed by the Australian Dental Industry Association as it ends the confusion that has existed over which teeth whitening products can be sold in Australia," said Troy Williams, ADIA Chief Executive Officer.

"This is a sensible decision that enables appropriate patient access to teeth whitening products and puts in place proper measures to ensure patient safety," Mr Williams said.

In line with current arrangements, the new laws will continue to permit over-the-counter sales of teeth whitening products containing 6% or less hydrogen peroxide and 18% or less carbamide peroxide.

The major change is that teeth whitening products containing higher concentrations must be supplied solely by registered dental practitioners as part of their dental practice. The practical outcome is that a dentist can both use higher-strength teeth whitening products for treatment within their surgery and also include these products as part of take home kits supplied to patients.

"Ultimately, the decision whether or not to supply these higher-strength teeth whitening products to patients rests on the professional judgment of registered dental practitioners in line with their commitment to safe, high quality professional oral care," Mr Williams said.

Reflecting upon the framework in which the new regulatory standards were created, Mr Williams said it was pleasing that views from all interested parties were taken into account.

"Dentists, suppliers and other stakeholders had different views and each group was afforded ample opportunity to tender these for consideration. The new laws reflect a balanced, evidence-based approach and is one we endorse," Mr Williams said.

According to Australian Dental Industry Association, the outcome reflects the Association's support for a regulatory framework for dental product that is based on a risk management approach designed to ensure public health and safety, while at the same time freeing industry from any unnecessary regulatory burden.