The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recently reported that Botox® injections were ranked as the top nonsurgical procedure for 2011.
In many states, dentists have already been using Botox® to treat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and facial pain cases, but there is a rising tide of patients wanting to have cosmetic Botox® treatments and dermal fillers while getting their teeth cleaned, or whitened.
In light of this trend, The Wealthy Dentist decided to ask if dentists should provide Botox® and dermal fillers to dental patients.
Of the dentists surveyed, 70% see no problem with dentists providing Botox® treatments and dermal fillers, while 24% felt that this was not an appropriate role for dentists. Only 7% felt it should be done for therapeutic reasons only.
However, dentists did have a lot to say on this subject and here are their comments:
Perfect fit for dentists
“This service is a perfect fit. Certainly therapeutic and cosmetic. I doubt that LPN’s, RN’s, CNP’s, NP’s have any thing close to the head and neck anatomy than a DDS/DMD. We have more experience, head and neck, than MD’s except for Plastic surgeons, ENT, Head and Neck Surgeons. The public including many in the medical field do not know our educational background. Derm. fillers, yes again for all the same reasons.” (Minnesota dentist)
“I see no problem as long as they receive proper training and carry sufficient malpractice insurance.” (Texas dentist)
“Dentists are the only doctors that inject the head and neck area more than any other specialty!” (Illinois dentist)
“I believe we as dentists should, with the proper education, be able to provide this service to our patients. I believe it would be a great value to our patients especially some of the full mouth rehab cases as well as the esthetic cases.” (Massachusetts dentist)
“I don’t provide it in my office, but I don’t have a problem with a properly trained dentist providing the service. Heck, most dentists are better trained and have more knowledge about head and neck anatomy than most general physicians or staff at beauty salons providing Botox® and other dermal fillers!” (Ohio prosthodontist)
Not worth the hassle
“Botox® is a very low ticket item that does not generate many new patients.” (Colorado dentist)
“The training too expensive. What insurance needs would we have to have?” (Ohio dentist)
“Insurance premiums are too much and I’m not sure my patients would want it.” (General dentist)
It’s a cash cow
“I have been teaching and doing this for over 7 years. Where else can one earn about $500 profit in under 5 minutes. Cosmetics pays.” (New Jersey dentist)
“I see it as a device to increase income rather than an admirable service.” (Texas dentist)
Would like to learn
“Do you know if the State of Maryland is going to prohibit this? I have invested in the training but have not bought the supplies.” (Maryland dentist)
“Looking into the training, but it is very expensive right now.” (California dentist)
Terrible idea
“Would dentists be providing these services if they weren’t motivated by the income? Would they do this on each other, or on their own family?” (Illinois dentist)
“It’s a terrible idea!” (General dentist)
“It’s just like telling hygienists/denturists/etc., that if they want to practice dentistry — go to dental school. Dentists should stick to dentistry. This may be called a grey area, but I don’t see it that way.” (Texas dentist)
Many U.S. states now allow dentists to perform Botox® and dermal filler treatments for both esthetic and therapeutic reasons.
Some trained dentists have seen their dental practice revenue increase by over $100,000 a year by adding Botox® and dermal fillers to the treatments they offer their dental patients.
Since dentists are expert at injections about the face, it would seem to be a prudent dental treatment to offer your patients if you think it would add value to their lives.
