A BUSINESSMAN has pleaded guilty to carrying out teeth whitening despite not being a registered dental practitioner.

Graeme Pattinson, who operated out of Ultimate Tanning and Beauty Salon, Thomlinson Road, Hartlepool, admitted unlawfully practising dentistry in June last year when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court.

The UK regulator of dental practice, the General Dental Council (GDC), brought the successful prosecution against the provider of a so-called 'self-administered' system of tooth whitening treatment.

Mr Pattinson also pleaded guilty to a second offence of unlawfully carrying on the business of dentistry.

The GDC said: "Handing someone a tooth whitening tray and, amongst other things, assisting them with its application may constitute the 'advice and attendance' usually given by a dentist, and therefore be illegal."

Mr Pattinson pleaded guilty to the offences on the basis that the treatment he provided was 'self-administered' by the victim.

The businessman, who has never been registered with the GDC, received a two year conditional discharge. He was also ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge and £1,000 towards the GDC's costs.