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