Oral Health Therapist vs Beauty Salon or Beautician Whitening: What's the Difference?
Teeth whitening is available from a range of providers, from dental practices to beauty salons and beauticians. Here's what actually differs.
Qualifications and Regulation
Rebecca is a university-trained, registered Oral Health Therapist, registered with the Dental Board of Australia. Beauty salons and beauticians offering whitening treatments aren't held to the same registration requirements or advertising restrictions that apply to registered dental practitioners.
Product Access
Because of this registration, Sonréir can supply and administer higher-strength, TGA-approved whitening products that aren't available over the counter or in an unregulated setting. In-chair, Rebecca uses a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel as her standard concentration, adjusted based on individual assessment.
Process Differences
A supervised visit includes an assessment before treatment begins, soft-tissue protection throughout, and management of any sensitivity throughout the appointment — steps that are part of a registered practitioner's training and scope of practice.
This is simply general information to help you understand your options — not a comment on any specific business.
Read next: Over-the-Counter Whitening: Pharmacy, Online, Beauty Salon or Beautician vs Dental.