Rep. Jason Grill, D-Parkville, has filed a bill that would require whitening procedures in Missouri to be administered by licensed dentists or under the direct supervision of a dentist. The bill would not affect over-the-counter whitening kits. "There are just a lot of problems because of these mall kiosks and others doing these kinds of procedures without the education to do them," Grill said. "It seems if you're going to be having something done with your mouth, an expensive procedure like that, you would want a licensed dentist or person under the direction of a dentist to perform these procedures."

Mallott doesn't necessarily believe dentists are the only professionals able to provide the service, but he does agree that those providing whitening services need some training. He worries that unregulated procedures can trigger side effects that unlicensed providers aren't equipped to deal with. Specifically, the hydrogen peroxide used in the procedure can cause teeth to become sensitive or can damage tissue if gums aren't protected.