New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association
The NZCTWA is the regulatory body for the teeth whitening industry in New Zealand
The New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association (NZCTWA) is a self-regulating trade group recognised by the Ministry of Health (MOH). Established in 2010, the NZCTWA is dedicated to promoting public safety by ensuring that all teeth whitening practitioners are professionally trained, certified, and adhere to high industry standards.
The NZCTWA is committed to advancing the cosmetic teeth whitening industry while ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality for consumers. By joining the NZCTWA, practitioners not only protect their business interests but also contribute to a safer and more informed industry for all.
Mission and Goals
The primary mission of the NZCTWA is to protect consumers (the public) from misinformation and unsafe practices in the cosmetic teeth whitening industry. The Association aims to uphold ethical standards while encouraging professional development among its members. Through comprehensive training and adherence to a comprehensive Code of Professional Conduct, the NZCTWA ensures that their practitioners provide safe and effective services.
Membership Categories
The NZCTWA has three main categories of members:
- Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Practitioners: Professionals working in the beauty and appearance enhancement sector who are dedicated to providing quality teeth whitening services.
- Manufacturers and Suppliers of Over-the-Counter Products: Companies that produce and distribute teeth whitening products intended for consumer use without professional supervision.
- Suppliers of Professional Systems: Manufacturers and distributors of advanced teeth whitening systems designed for use by trained practitioners in professional settings.
Membership
NZCTWA is the professional trade association representing the New Zealand cosmetic teeth whitening industry. They’re your team fighting to preserve the practice of cosmetic teeth whitening for non-dentist suppliers and practitioners by being at the forefront of legislative changes.
While NZCTWA membership is not required to perform teeth whitening, we have found that many patients are more likely to undergo the procedure when their teeth whitening practitioner has been formally trained in how to perform the procedure, and are an NZCTWA registered practitioner.
Membership is voluntary, and only applicants with the highest standards, who agree to follow the New Zealand Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Association Code of Conduct and Practice, will be accepted.
“Whilst we may be competitors, we are one industry – what we do does affect others.”
Membership in the NZCTWA offers numerous advantages, including:
- Enhanced credibility: Practitioners who are certified by the NZCTWA can assure clients of their training and commitment to quality service
- Access to resources: Members receive up-to-date information on industry developments, new technologies, and legal regulations affecting the cosmetic teeth whitening sector
- Networking opportunities: The association fosters a collaborative environment where members can build relationships with other professionals in the industry.
- Access to marketing material: As long as you are a certified member of the NZCTWA, you can be licensed to use the Registered Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Practitioner logo on all your marketing materials and on your website, boosting client confidence
Public Safety Standards
The NZCTWA prioritises public safety by establishing high professional standards for its members. This includes comprehensive training programs and a strict Code of Conduct that addresses ethical practices and consumer protection.
Studies conducted by reputable institutions, such as the Eastman Institute for Oral Health – a world leader in research and post-doctoral education in general and pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery – demonstrate that modern cosmetic whitening gels used by NZCTWA members are safe, often posing fewer risks than common food items, such as orange juice.
Most people with normal healthy teeth receiving a cosmetic teeth whitening treatment meeting the new safety standards of the NZ Governments Environmental Risk Management Authority [ERMA] will experience little or no sensitivity, or gum irritation, during a modern cosmetic procedure performed by the Association’s members.
Training and Certification
The Association offers thorough training and certification programs for its members, making sure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform teeth whitening procedures safely. The training covers essential topics, including product safety, customer care, and industry best practices, to name just a few.
The training courses operate with the entire professional support of dentists, chemists and global teeth whitening experts of some of the world’s leading teeth whitening authorities.
At the end of the NZCTWA Registered Practitioner Training course you will be awarded an attractive certificate and be able to promote yourself as a NZCTWA Registered Cosmetic Teeth Whitening Practitioner.
The Registered Practitioners training offered by the NZCTWA is solely for those already in the industry who are paid-up members of the NZCTWA. For those new to the industry, NZCTWA-authorised equipment suppliers (such as Teeth Whitening Associates) provide complete training packages and help with the certification process.
Commitment to Collaboration
The NZCTWA, in addition to developing practitioner training programs, hygiene, and cross infection standards and professional clinical protocols, actively engages with various stakeholders, including government bodies and other industry associations. They work to advocate for the rights and interests of cosmetic teeth whitening professionals. By working together, the NZCTWA and its members can address regulatory changes and promote safe practices within the industry.
Globally, dentists, cosmetic teeth whitening product suppliers, and practitioners of the appearance enhancement industry have shared teeth whitening for more than two decades, and it’s the goal of the NZCTWA to keep it that way.
Got questions?
If you have a few more questions about the NZCTWA, head over to our FAQs page, where you can find the answers to the most common questions.
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Want to join the NZCTWA?
When you sign up to a start-up package, we’ll sort everything out for your NZCTWA membership. Check out the packages.
