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
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July 30th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I had actually signed up to take a course in Las Vegas a few years ago. I was interested in the TMD therapy and some of the other uses. When I heard from the course directors that I could not participate in the hands on portion of the class because I was from California, I cancelled.
I think Dentist’s are just as qualified if not more than most MD’s for this type of procedure (in the oralfacial area), maybe not for crows feet, Blepharospasm, Dystonia, Strabismus, Hyperhidrosis, etc.
August 1st, 2008 at 10:46 am
I have a patient whom I am treating for TMD. She has a history of receiving Botox in her cervical region as a treatment for migraines. She claims she has gradually lost some of her ability to swallow, resulting in night time aspiration and several bouts with pneumonia. She stopped taking Botox for six months. We successfully treated her TMD and migraines with a neuromuscular orthotic. She can now swallow. Are we prepared, as denists, to deal with the legal ramifications of Botox rteatments?
August 1st, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Botox injections are less invasive than injections we give for local anesthesia. Why not let us give the botox injections? We have more head and neck training than most M.D.’s. Botox also is not permanent.
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
I treat several TMD cases per year and I believe some patients may benefit from strategic use of botox on some trigger muscle areas or facial painful areas due to overload by “squinting and or frowning”.
I definetly think that resarching the use of botox in dentistry is very justified.
Dr Rudy.
August 4th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Hello. I am a freelance writer working on an article about Botox and general dentistry for a dental trade magazine. I’m interested in talking to general dentists who are opposed to the use of Botox in a dental office. If you have time for a brief phone or email interview please contact me. Thank you!
Laurie Bouck
lbouck@gmail.com