RCDSO – use of Botox & dermal fillers in dentistry
RCDSO – educational requirements
FAQ Botox in dentistry
see links to the left for RCDSO publications
Can Ontario dentists inject Botox for cosmetic reasons such as forehead wrinkles or crow’s feet?
No, the RCDSO has clearly stated that Botox can only be used extra-orally for therapeutic indications. We will however ensure that you know how and where to inject therapeutically to ensure optimal cosmetic results.
What can I use Botox for?
In Ontario dental practices Botox is most commonly used for parafunctional conditions such as TMD and bruxism, to protect immediately restored implants, to improve gummy smiles, for hypersalivation and for pain conditions such as myofascial pain, trigeminal neuralgia and atypical dental pain.
Can Ontario dentists use temporary fillers such as Juvederm to plump lips?
Yes, the RCDSO considers the lips (bounded by the vermillion border) as part of the oral cavity and therefore eligible for cosmetic treatment.
Can Ontario dentists inject Botox for primary headaches such as migraine?
No, the diagnosis of a primary headache falls outside of the definition of ‘dentistry’. Dentists can indirectly treat secondary headaches such as tension type headaches which are part of a TMD complex. The diagnosis and treatment however, are for TMD not specifically for the headache.
Can I treat conditions such as wrinkles and migraine if I have taken a training course to do so?
Not in Ontario. To treat conditions outside of your scope of practice can leave you without malpractice coverage and open to disciplinary action by the College.
What should I look for in a training course?
Look for a course that meets the RCDSO educational requirements, that has instructors with experience in the techniques you want to learn, that offers sufficient hands-on time to make you comfortable with the procedure and that will allow you to bring in your own patients and staff.
What kinds of patients are best to bring to a training course?
The type of patients you are most likely to treat in your practice. Typically they are TMD/bruxism patients and patients who want their lips plumped. Ideally take a staff member to do lip injections on. They can learn with you and will be your best marketing asset when they return to work.
Can I open an account with Allergan, Galderma or Merz to buy Botulinum Toxins or Filler directly?
Botulinum toxins can be acquired by writing a prescription or through the manufacturers directly. Fillers can only be sourced from the manufacturer directly. Allergan will allow graduates of our course to open an account and buy product directly, Galderma is still reviewing their policy.
How do I access the on-line course?
After having paid for workshop registration you will be sent a link to create or accept a password for your account. Once you have entered a password you can log into your account (Student Portal). Once logged in a "Profile" tab will appear under 'Student Portal', click on this. Once in your profile you will find the link to the on-line course in the 'Registered Courses' section. You can also download resources on this page.