New York State Education Law does not prohibit a New York State licensed dentist from using botulinum toxin type A and collagen in the oral and maxillofacial area, consistent with Section 6601, as long as it is related to restoring and maintaining dental health. When providing such services, the dentist must also be competent to provide such services.*

Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedure Continuum

October 1-2 & November 19-20, 2010

Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures 1

Botox has important clinical uses as an adjunct in TMJ and bruxism cases, and for patients with chronic TMJ and facial pain. Botox is also used to complement esthetic dentistry cases, as a minimally invasive alternative to surgically treating high lip line cases, denture patients who have trouble adjusting to new dentures, lip augmentation, and has uses in orthodontic cases where retraining of the facial muscles is necessary.

The incorporation of botulinum toxin into cosmetic dentistry offers a complete and comprehensive cosmetic treatment plan for patients. Dentists are able to supply the patient with a sound differential diagnosis, which may include dental, orthodontic, orthognathic, soft-tissue, or a combination of these treatment modalities to arrive at a superior anterior lip and perioral cosmetic result…”

This 2-day lecture & hands-on training course guides you through your entry into the field of lip and perioral augmentation with Botox and Derma fillers.

Minimally Invasive Cosmetic Procedures II

Dermal fillers can be used for high lip line cases, asymmetrical lips around the mouth, lip augmentation, and completing cosmetic dentistry cases by creating a beautiful, young-looking frame around the teeth.

This advanced 2-day lecture & training course covers semi and permanent derma fillers, biological interactions, technical approaches with specific materials, and advanced imaging techniques for optimal tx results.

*The New York State Dental Association offered this advice to its members:

In June 2002, the State Board for Dentistry passed a motion giving some guidance on the use of botox/collagen stating that, “the use of botulinum Toxin Type A and collagen for dental health related treatment falls within the scope for the practice of dentistry as defined by Section 6601.” This motion, which is not binding, does authorize a dentist to use botox and collagen, but reiterates that such use must be related to a patient’s dental health.

As with anything, you cannot legally provide such services if they are not within the scope of the New York State Dental Practice Act. As with any new product or procedure, do not allow the lure of additional revenue to jeopardize your professional license. If it is not something that you can reasonably argue relates to dental health, it is safe to avoid it.

Malpractice issues are extremely rare for Botox and dermal filler cases. That being said, all healthcare professionals should have malpractice insurance that covers all the procedures they perform. Some dental liability insurances are now offering riders for these treatments.  Some dental liability insurance companies are not now set up to cover dentists for Botox and dermal filler procedures but this is rapidly changing.  Every dentist should check with their own insurance provider and see what their status is. If your insurance carrier is not set up now to provide this coverage, there are third party add-on malpractice liability insurance carriers that will cover dentists who have been properly trained for these procedures and we work with a few through our training courses. These policies will be in addition to the malpractice insurance you already have and are very reasonably priced.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Many dentists call their current malpractice insurance agents and ask if the dentist is covered by their plan.  Some of the insurance agents tell the dentists that it is illegal for them to place botox and dermal fillers or other misinformation.  What they are trying to do is keep you from switching insurance plans and losing your business.  Your liability insurance agent is not in the position to tell you what you should and should not be doing and is not a reliable source when it comes to this area.  The additional liability insurance will be in addition to your current liability insurance - your insurance agent will not lose any business if you are performing Botox and dermal fillers.