Who is allowed to offer professional teeth whitening?

Who is allowed to offer professional teeth whitening mainly depends on the whitening product being used and the amount of hydrogen peroxide the product contains or releases during use.

Within the Netherlands and the EU, an important distinction is made between whitening products that contain or release no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide and products that contain or release more than 0.1% up to a maximum of 6% hydrogen peroxide.

Teeth whitening in a salon

A beauty salon or other professional provider may offer teeth whitening treatments using products that contain or release no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide, provided that the products comply with the applicable cosmetic product regulations.

A formal dental qualification is not automatically required to work with products within this category. However, this does not mean that professional teeth whitening should be carried out without proper knowledge or training.

When offering professional teeth whitening, you should know:

• when a client should or should not be treated;
• how to protect the mouth and gums;
• how to use whitening gel correctly and safely;
• which application times apply to the product;
• how to deal with sensitivity or irritation;
• which teeth and restorations can and cannot change colour;
• when a client should first be referred to a dentist;
• how to work hygienically and professionally.

For this reason, we always recommend completing a professional teeth whitening course or starting with a starter kit that includes training.

What about hydrogen peroxide?

Stricter European rules apply to products that contain or release more than 0.1% and up to 6% hydrogen peroxide.

These products may only be supplied to dental practitioners. For each whitening cycle, the first use must be carried out by a dental practitioner, or under their direct supervision when an equivalent level of safety is ensured.

Products within this category may also not be used on persons under 18 years of age.

A regular beauty salon therefore cannot independently use, for example, a 6% hydrogen peroxide whitening gel as if it were an unrestricted salon whitening product.

“Peroxide-free” does not always mean 0% hydrogen peroxide

Do not only check whether the ingredient hydrogen peroxide appears literally on the packaging.

Some ingredients can release hydrogen peroxide during use. This means that the legal assessment is based on the amount of hydrogen peroxide a product contains or releases, rather than simply on marketing terms such as “peroxide-free”.

This is an important distinction when selecting professional whitening products.

How does X-treme Smile handle this?

X-treme Smile distinguishes between our regular professional whitening products and products that are subject to additional legal requirements.

For access to whitening products containing higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, we request the required professional information within the EU. For customers in the Netherlands, we verify the relevant BIG registration. For professional customers elsewhere in the EU, proof may be requested that the purchaser is authorised to practise as a dentist.

For our other professional whitening products, knowledge and correct application remain important. If you do not yet have experience with professional teeth whitening, you can start with a training course or starter kit including training.

Always check the regulations in your own country

European cosmetic legislation sets important requirements for hydrogen peroxide in tooth whitening products, but additional rules regarding who may professionally perform a teeth whitening treatment can vary by country.

If you work outside the Netherlands, always check the current legislation and professional requirements in your own country before offering professional teeth whitening.