Why Do Dentists Do Botox? Is It Safe?

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 (surgical) training than the general dentist and it is not unreasonable for Oral and Max. Surgeons to inject BOTOX.  Having said all of this I believe that Plastic Surgeons are uniquely qualified surgical medical specialists to inject BOTOX.  Plastic Surgeons ROUTINELY provide BOTOX for patients as opposed to Oral and Max Surgeons who may casually provide this service.  MOST importantly well trained board certified Plastic Surgeons are capable of handling the complications (either medically or surgically).

Dr. ES

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 the better question is do they really know how?

I pulled my son's loose baby tooth out last weekend, it was easy...should I "throw it in" to my Botox patients who have kids just because I have an MD and it is an easy procedure?

Crazy world we live in.....

Dr. C

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.

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.

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.

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 doubt, remember, that there is no substitute for experience in performing these treatments.  Board certification in one of the four core aesthetic specialties is usually a good place to start: Dermatology, General Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, and Oculoplastic Surgery .

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 cosmetic specialist take care of my wrinkles.  See the web reference article below about "Cowboys Facing Lawsuits".

Good luck and be well.

Dr. P 

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 performing procedures for which they lack training or are outside the scope of their practice.  In the state of New York, dentists are actively trying to pass legislation that allows them to perform facelifts!!!

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 a course. It appears to be a service that dentists increasingly provide especially if they specialize in cosmetic dentistry or more commonly in the larger cities in the United States.

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.