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.