Do you have to be a dentist to do cosmetic dentistry?

In the UK, only registered dental professionals are legally allowed to provide dental treatment, including cosmetic procedures. To call yourself a dentist and carry out treatments such as veneers, bonding or crowns, you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC).

Certain cosmetic services, such as tooth whitening with professional-strength gels, may also be provided by dental hygienists or therapists, but only when they work under a dentist’s prescription and within strict legal limits. It is a criminal offence for non‑registered individuals or beauty salons to offer dental treatments such as whitening.

Reputable practices like Mannamead Cosmetic Dental Centre in Plymouth use fully qualified, GDC‑registered clinicians and are inspected by regulators such as the Care Quality Commission, giving you reassurance on safety and standards. You can check a professional’s registration online before treatment.