Tooth Whitening Regulations — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Correct answer: C — 6% hydrogen peroxide (or equivalent)

The correct answer is C. The General Dental Council (GDC) and the British Dental Association (BDA) both clearly establish that the maximum concentration of hydrogen peroxide (or equivalent) a dental professional may use for cosmetic tooth whitening in the UK is 6%. This is a statutory limit set out in EU Cosmetic Products Regulations and transposed into UK law. Products containing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide may only be supplied by a registered dental professional following a clinical examination. Concentrations exceeding 6% are prohibited for cosmetic tooth whitening unless used solely for treating or preventing disease (e.g. internal bleaching of non-vital teeth). Option B (10%) and C (35%) exceed the legal maximum and are not permitted for cosmetic use. Option D (0.1%) is the lower regulatory threshold below which products can be freely sold; dentists can lawfully use concentrations up to 6%. Option A is factually incorrect as the law imposes a clear limit.

Reference: General Dental Council (GDC). What the law says – Tooth Whitening. https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/working-within-the-law/what-is-the-legal-position; GDC Tooth Whitening Position Statement. https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/what-is-the-legal-position/tooth-whitening-position-statement.pdf; British Dental Association. Tooth Whitening Guidance. https://www.bda.org/advice/patient-care-and-practice-safety/clinical-compliance/tooth-whitening/