A MAN who carried out illegal tooth whitening has been fined £400.

Kieran Rimmer was found guilty in his absence at St Helens Magistrates’ Court as ‘being prepared to practice dentistry’ contrary to section 38 of the Dentists Act 1984.

No one other than a registered dental professional is allowed to carry out dentistry and the court heard Rimmer was said to have committed the offence on October 15 at Smile Lab Tan Lab on Baldwin Street in St Helens.

The prosecution was brought about by the General Dental Council (GDC).

ooth whitening can only be carried out by individuals who are regulated by the GDC specifically dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists or clinical dental technicians working to a dentist’s prescription.

Rimmer, who was not registered with the GDC, was ordered to pay the body’s costs of £2,871 and a victim surcharge of £40.

Patients can check if their dentist is registered by visiting the GDC’s website gdc-uk.org.