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Why Do Dentists Do Botox? Is It Safe?

asked 1 year ago by anon
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,147 times
Tags: dentist, qualifications, safety

I was surprised when my dentist offered to throw in a Botox treatment with my dental work. He said many dentists offer Botox these days. Is it ok/wise to get Botox from a dentist?

24 answers to Why Do Dentists Do Botox? Is It Safe?

+1

Dentist Injecting BOTOX

I feel that I can speak to this question readily.  I am a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  I am also a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon.  It is true that facial anatomy is easily understood by the practicitioner trained in dentistry but GENERAL dentist rarely if ever venture outside of the mouth.  I feel strongly that GENERAL dentist should not inject BOTOX.  Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons on the other hand have much more extensive training... more
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dentists and Botox

Maxilofacial dentists are qualified to inject neurotoxin, as are plastic surgeons and dermatologists. All specialists with a good and practical understanding of facial muscles and anatomy. Injection of neurotoxin by others should be questioned.
Purvisha Patel, MD

Germantown Dermatologist
+1

There are dentists and then there are dentists.

Many so called dentists who perform cosmetic BOTOX are actually highly trained Maxilofacial surgeons, a large number of whom hold dual MD and DMD degrees with residency training in Maxilofacial surgery.  It is misleading to simply describe these individuals as "dentists."  Most States do not permit general dentists to inject cosmetic BOTOX or fillers for that matter.  Check with the licensing board for your State to learn what is or is not permitted.  When it... more
Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Dentists do Botox?

Thank you for the question. Frankly, dentists to Botox to increase their revenue. It is up to patients to be careful who they have do ANY procedure for them. Best wishes.
Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dentists and Botox

Free enterprise can lead to bizzare situations such as Dentists injecting Botox and about 15 years ago advertising and doing Traditional Laser resurfacing,Chiropractors injecting Botox, etc. Just because a procedure is cheaper when done by a non-MD, doesn't mean that you get equal value and the same risk level for com plications. Botox should be injected by an experienced Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. Caveat Emptor (Buyer Be Aware) more
Eugene Mandrea, MD

Chicago Dermatologist
+1

Dentists are pushing for Botox but most physicians agree it is a bad idea.

Many states are now debating whether dentists (who did not go to medical school, but to dental school) should be allowed to do Botox. Regardless of the outcome of the state legislatures' decisions, the most qualified injectors of Botox, Dysport, and the fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Radiesse) will continue to be board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons, for many reasons, let alone the fact that dentists do not train in upper face management. As time goes on you will see... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon

www.ArtofDermatology.com

+1

Botox by Dentist

Some states allow persons holding a medical license the opportunity to treat patients...even in areas that they have absolutely no training, knowledge, experience or even skill. Would you let your neighborhood neurosurgeon do your botox or even your breast implants for that matter? Many practitioners now perform Botox injections, nurses, OB/GYNs, Internal Medicine doctors, even a Cardiac Surgeon in our city, and mainly do so for the economic benefits they perceive they will be afforded; but t more
John Philip Connors III, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox - by a dentist

Some states legally allow dentists to give Botox but I wouldn't recommend it.  It's a personal choice, but would you allow your plastic surgeon to do your filling or root canal? Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.
Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dentists should not inject Botox

Some states allow Botox injections by a wide array of medical or dental practitioners.  Just because they can does not mean they should or are qualified to.  Your safest option is to have your Botox by a specialist who has recieved the proper training.
Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Why Do Dentists Do Botox? Is It Safe?

Regarding: "Why Do Dentists Do Botox? Is It Safe? I was surprised when my dentist offered to throw in a Botox treatment with my dental work. He said many dentists offer Botox these days. Is it ok/wise to get Botox from a dentist?" Some dentists inject Botox for the same reasons some Family Practitioners, ER doctors, GYN's, former pathologists,Chiropractors and a whole hosts of holders of medical licenses do it - failing careers in their chosen profession, the promise... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is better to have a plastic surgeon inject your Botox

Dentists should not inject botox, just as plastic surgeons should not perform root canals.  It it always best to go to the specialist who is well trained in the area you wish to have a procedure.   In this case, Botox is best performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists.
Lane Smith, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Who should inject botox

The experience a physician has in injecting Botox is invaluable. There are nuances that are important to realize when trying to finesse the art of Botox delivery that may not be acquired by those doctors that do not do enough of the procedure.
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

Why Do Dentists Do Botox? Is It Safe?

Because the medical boards in each state allow this. Just another way for differing medical professionals to gain a cash flow!
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Botox is safe in trained hands

Botox is a very safe drug, but you should be cautious with whom you get it done. In general, you should stick with a well trained, experienced physician. As a general rule, the important consideration is not so much who you trust when things go easily and well, but the critical consideration is who is best able to take care of you if something goes wrong. It's nit hard to learn to reconstitute and inject, but it's another level of knowledge and expertise to know what NOT to do... more
Verne Weisberg, MD

Portland Plastic Surgeon

www.drverne.com

+1

Botox

In my opinion, plastic surgeons are usually skilled injectors for important reasons.  We have operated on the areas of the face that are treated with botox.  We have a good understanding of the muscular anatomy.  Just because it is legal for certain practitioners to do the treatments, does not mean it is a good idea.
David A. Lickstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Why Do Dentists Do Botox and Is it Safe?

Hi, Most of the dentists that I know that "do Botox" have it done for their wrinkles, not for their patients. So to answer your question, dentists that do Botox are doing it for financial gain, have taken a weekend course, and feel that they are qualified to perform the treatment. Would you have your proctologist do a root canal? You decide the wisdom behind it. As for me, I will let my dentist take care of my cavities, and let a facial... more
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Would you want a plastic surgeon to drill your cavity?

There is no reason to settle for a non-aesthetic practicioner for your treatment. For superior results, please see a board certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon or oculoplastic surgeon for all cosmetic injectables. Someone who just did a weekend course will not be the best choice. You deserve the best possible results.
Mary Lupo, MD

New Orleans Dermatologist
+1

Why do dentists use Botox?

In fact anyone with a medical license can decide to inject Botox if they wish.  That means nothing about the amount of training they have to do cosmetic procedures, their ability to handle consequences if they occur, etc. In reality Botox and other cosmetic procedures should only be performed by a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. 
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Why do Dentists do Botox? Because people let them.

The short answer to why dentists offer Botox is "because they can."   Sure, injecting the Botox is easy, but the key is understanding complex relationships between muscles (what happens to one when you paralyze another), facial anatomy, and most importantly how to deal with complications.  People should stop going dentists for botox. If you stop this demand, then dentists will stop offering this procedure. On a larger level, we need laws that prohibt dentists from... more
Matthew Schulman, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dentists and botox

Welcome to the new world of medicine.  Everyone is trying to do things that they did not go to school for and learn.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dentists Administering Botox

Dentists are not generally trained in the administration of Botox, other than for massateric spasm. Many healthcare proveders other than Plastic surgeons or Dermatologists are trying to jump on the bandwagon with cosmetic procedures. I would suggest that you investigate the physician that gives you Botox, and make sure that they are trained in its administration, and the treatment of its complications. The physician should be certified by a valid board (Dermatology, Plastic Surgery or... more
Wilfred Brown, MD

Fairfield Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dentist inappropriate for botox injection

The answer to questions like this should revolve around "who is the best to do a particular treatment."  Many physicians are trying to add procedures that they weren't trained to do or that they uncommonly perform for purely financial reasons.  Dermatologist and Plastic Surgeons not only are trained in residency to perform cosmetic procedures of the face, they routinely treat the face for other issues that helps them in their assessment of the facial skin and the... more
Thomas W. Bender, III MD

Mobile Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Should a dentist do botox?

I am a dermatologist but I dont do cosmetic dentistry. I would recommend that a patient receive Botox or any cosmetic treatment from a physician that is board certified in either dermatology, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, ENT facial because that physician is trained and prepared to deal with any untoward side effects. It is never a problem until something goes wrong.
Steven Hacker, MD

West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon

www.palmbeachdermasurgery.com

+1

Dentists performing Botox injections

I would hope that the question "why a dentist does Botox?" is rhetorical. Unless there are indications for masseteric spasm, I am not aware that this is a procedure which is routinely taught in dental school or residencies. It is, however, commonly instructed in plastic surgery, otolaryngologic, dermatologic and ophthalmologic residency programs. There are numerous post-graduate opportunies to learn the nuances of Botox injection and I assume your dentist has enrolled in such... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

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