Unlicensed ‘Veneer Techs’ Raise Concerns in Dental Community

Dental Professionals Warn of Risks Associated with Unqualified Practitioners

A recent article on People.com has highlighted growing concerns within the dental community regarding the rise of unlicensed “veneer technicians” offering cosmetic dental procedures. According to the report by Athena Sobhan, these individuals, often found on social media platforms, claim to provide veneer services at a fraction of the cost of licensed dentists.

American Dental Association Issues Warning

The American Dental Association (ADA) has responded to this trend by issuing a statement urging patients to exercise caution when considering these services. The ADA emphasised that “dental laboratory technicians and businesses are generally not licensed” by states and warned that “unsupervised dental treatment from unlicensed individuals has the potential to cause damaging complications for patients.”

Expert Opinions Highlight Risks

Dental professionals interviewed for the article expressed serious concerns about the practice. Jandra Korb, a dental director at DentaQuest, told People.com:

“It is against the law for anyone to practice dentistry without a license and [veneer technicians] often have only taken a two-day course taught by someone with no formal education in dentistry themselves.”

Dr. Natasha Flake, President of the American Association of Endodontists, added:

“Our [biggest] concern when having unlicensed and untrained people providing these services is the risk of the damage that they could cause to the tooth and then subsequent issues that can arise after that.”

Patient Experiences Underscore Concerns

The article details the experiences of two individuals who encountered problems after receiving veneer treatments. Spechelle Overton, a make-up artist from Florida, reported experiencing “intense burning” and pain in her gums after a procedure with an unlicensed technician. Winter Blanco, a television personality, developed severe temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction following a veneer replacement.

Advice for Potential Patients

Dental experts quoted in the article strongly advise those considering veneers to consult licensed dental professionals. They stress the importance of comprehensive oral health evaluations before any cosmetic procedures are undertaken.

As the popularity of veneers continues to grow, driven in part by social media trends, this report serves as a timely reminder of the potential risks associated with seeking cosmetic dental treatments from unqualified practitioners.