News & Events

Review the following news articles, continuing education courses and links, so you can be up to date on the latest and greatest happenings at Welch Dental Group!

Leadership Course

• Presented by Jameson Management
• Held in Oklahoma City, Ok on February 5-6, 2009
• Attended by Dr. Welch, Dr. Hearrean, Dr. Ho and Barbara Ames

THANK YOU for GIVING US AN AWARD!

On January 29, 2009, Dr. Hearrean accepted on behalf of Welch Dental Group the Katy Magazine’s Readers Choice Award for the best dental office in Katy for 2008

Bleaching of Teeth in a Non-Dental Setting

by: Dr. Duc M. Ho, D.D.S., Judicial Committee Chairman

The following article by Dr. Ho was published in the Journal of the Greater Houston Dental Society.

During a recent Judicial Committee meeting, the topic of teeth bleaching outside a typical dental office or without the supervision of a dentist arose.  As you are well aware, most shopping malls now offer kiosks which provide bleaching for customers.  As you may not be aware, however, this has further expanded to a few tanning salons and even some cosmetology conventions.

Often times, the procedure used in these bleaching satellites involves the consumer placing 14 per cent hydrogen peroxide in a generic mouthpiece, with a LED light used to activate the material.  This level of hydrogen peroxide, relative to the application time, is just below the concentration which would cause severe gingival irritation.  Furthermore, since no impressions are taken and the consumer places the material filled tray in their own mouths, these centers are able to avoid the legal matter of practicing dentistry without a license.

Obvious drawbacks of this procedure include a much less potent material used to bleach teeth (light activated in-office bleaching often uses 25 per cent hydrogen peroxide).  This results in a less remarkable outcome, often times requiring multiple applications which increases the once low, attractive cost.  In addition, neither decay nor existing and needed restorations can be determined; thus, as teeth whiten, old composites or crowns may now become obvious requiring added dental care which the consumer was not yet aware or prepared to have completed.

The overall legal issues raised are as vague as the treatment these places provide.  Again, since no material is placed in the mouth by anyone other than the consumer, any impressions taken or even treatment diagnosed, the argument presented is that no dentistry is performed.  The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners does not have jurisdiction over those who do not possess a Texas dental license, and thus, cannot regulate these operations.  For dental professionals, the entire matter is being investigated by the State Attorney General.   Unfortunately, the only recourse for the consumer at this time is their local Better Business Bureau.