One in Six US Dentists Offers Botox

Cosmetic Dentistry Gets Even More Cosmetic

Botox is big business these days, and more and more dentists are getting in on the action. In our most recent survey, 16% of dentists said they are already offering Botox to their dental patients; 27% said they would if regulations permitted; 37% said they might offer it someday; and 20% said they never would.

Twice as many GPs (17%) report that they offer Botox as did specialists (9%). In addition, urban dentists are twice as likely as rural dentists to offer Botox – 10% of rural dentists versus 19% of urban practitioners.

Here are some comments from dentists on what could be called “ultra-cosmetic dentistry.”

• “I have patients asking for Botox treatments. They think all dentists perform this service and would like me to start offering it in my office.” (California dentist)
• “I didn’t think it was legal for a dentist to practice this type of medicine.” (California orthodontist)
• “I would consider it if regulations did not specifically preclude the procedure.” (Tennessee dentist)
• “I think we are too busy to take on the additional liability of these procedures.” (New Jersey dentist)
• “I’m a dentist – not a plastic surgeon.” (Virginia dentist)
• “It’s great for reducing damage to prostheses when used on masseter muscle for bruxers. Of course, frown lines and crows’ feet are the other indications…” (Malaysia prosthodontist)
• “I believe more than a day course should be recommended.” (Florida dentist)
• “No one is better qualified to place Botox or Restylane than a dentist due to understanding facial symmetry issues. Bar none!” (Nevada dentist)
• “Since when was Botox or Restylane injections for facial/head/neck esthetics considered dentistry? I think dentists performing this service is ridiculous.” (Ohio prosthodontist)

Post your own comments or read the complete dentists and Botox survey results