Tenn. allows general dentists to use Botox

Tennessee has become the latest state to allow general dentists to use facial injectables such as Botox and dermal fillers.

According to an opinion issued by the Tennessee attorney general, the use of Botox and dermal fillers for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes is "within the scope of dental practice" in the oral and maxillofacial areas, as well as adjacent and associated structures. The attorney general has also affirmed the need for proper training, according to a statement by the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE).

"Tennessee general dentists can now join the vast majority of dental professionals in North America in being able to provide Botox and dermal fillers for aesthetics, TMJ [temporomandibular joint disorders], bruxism, headaches, dental sleep medicine, and orofacial pain treatment with comprehensive training," said AAFE President Louis Malcmacher, DDS. "With Botox and dermal filler education being taught at over 80 dental universities, societies, and continuing education programs for general dentists in the last four years, these procedures have become fully integrated into daily dental treatment plans. This results in the best aesthetic and therapeutic outcomes for patients in areas of dental/facial aesthetics, dental sleep medicine, TMJ, and orofacial pain therapy."

The AAFE has trained nearly 10,000 dental professionals nationwide in the use of Botox and dermal fillers.

Some states, such as New Jersey and Massachusetts, have legislated specific training requirements, although they are in the minority of states that permit dentists to administer Botox extraorally.