Can a Dental Hygienist Give Botox Injections?

Question

I have been a California RDH for 6 years and I am considering a change of career due to some burnout!  I would like to know, if I were to get my esthetician's license would I be able to perform Botox treatments under a physicians supervision?  I have my LA license and have obviously had extensive head and neck anatomy classes.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The laws on who can inject Botox will vary from state to state, but in Florida, only Physicians, NP's or PA's are licensed to inject. It makes sense that someone with extensive training in facial anatomy and facial procedures inject Botox; results do vary with technique and expertise. I would recommend seeing a Facial Plastic surgeon, Dermatologist, or Plastic Surgeon for any injectable procedure.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox should only be injected by a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Botox injections might appear easy, but it is the long years of study and intimate knowledge of anatomy that set physicians apart. I think estheticians provide a crucial role in complimenting plastic surgery, but they should not be practicing it.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

We were a bit confused because you said you were a California RDH, but that you had an "LA" license.  Does this mean Louisiana esthetician's license?
Because every state has it's own set of laws we will not comment on anywhere but California. In California, the only persons allowed to inject Botox are medical professionals including: Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants and Physician (including Doctor of Osteopathy). An esthetician or dental hygienist would not be allowed to inject Botox regardless of training.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Most states are moving towards only allowing ARNPs (nurse practioners), RNs, and PAs to perform cosmetic injections. Also the supervision requirements are getting more strict and in many states require the physician to be on site.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I personally do not think that anyone but a physician should be injecting botox. I am not sure what the state requirements are for you but in NY I believe it is only a physician, PA or registered nurse - both of these have to be under direct physician supervision.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Botox is a very powerful medicine. As many people have noted on this board significant complications can occur if Botox is not administered correctly. A doctor&rsquo;s experience with Botox will help diagnose these conditions and treat them accordingly. A dental hygienist or an aesthetician should not inject Botox. Keep in mind that the best interest of the patient must be foremost.

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Mary P. Lupo, MD · Answer

The all too familiar practice of non-aesthetic physicians and non-physicians doing cosmetic procedures, even if technically legal, begs the question: What is in the best interest of the PATIENT??? There are so many qualified, extensively trained, board certified physicians performing these procedures, why take chances with lesser qualified and "Weekend Trained" practicioners? Why not stick with what aestheticians are really trained to do, or go to medical school and residency in dermatology or plastic surgery if you want to do the best for the patient.

Shepherd G. Pryor, MD · Answer

With an esthetician's license you are certified to provide care under the discretion of a medical professional. With the appropriate training and supervision many medical offices, plastic surgeons etc. will employ the services of a trained employee to provide care in this manner. I would strongly encourage you, however, to seek out a high level of training and an ethical supervisor that has a supreme knowledge of facial anatomy and experience as an injector.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi
I don't want to squelch your career aspirations.  But I am pretty sure that you doing Botox injections is not legal.  Even if it were, most people would only want an MD.

Can a Dental Hygienist Give Botox Injections?

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