A Sussex woman, Katie Ensell, has been ordered to pay almost £3,500 by Hastings Magistrates’ Court after being prosecuted and pleading guilty to offering illegal tooth whitening treatment through her business, KT’s Cosmetics.

The fine included £500 for each of her two offences – unlawfully holding herself out as being prepared to practise dentistry and unlawfully carrying out the business of dentistry - and GDC costs of £2250.86.

The General Dental Council (GDC) launched an investigation after a complaint about Ms Ensell was made in March last year. She told undercover investigators that she could provide them with tooth whitening using the Hollywood Whitening system.

The GDC say that 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 GDC said: 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 Ensell, we will, where appropriate, prosecute in the criminal courts.