When it comes to dermal fillers and Botox, the varying state laws can make it difficult to know if a dentist can perform this procedure and if so what type of circumstances are needed. The article below helps to provide a limited summary of the laws that discuss Botox usage by dentists within 27 states.

The use of dentistry Botox within Virginia and Mississippi is restricted to maxillofacial and oral surgeons who have completed a certain residency.

There are multiple states that allow the usage of dentistry Botox, but it does restrict the usage of it to dental treatments and it must be performed by a dentist who has completed coursework in a program that has been accredited by the dental board in that state or the American Dental Association. The states that allow this are Wisconsin, Alaska, West Virginia, Connecticut, Washington, Florida, Texas, Idaho, North Carolina, Iowa, New York, Kansas, New Hampshire, Maryland and then Nevada. The laws are worded based on their states and many of them to do officially address Botox, but it does have verbiage that restricts a dental practice of providing procedures that include the mouth, the mouth contents, associated structures and the tissues.

However, there are other states that the usage of Botox by a dentist is not restricted except that the dentist will need to take courses that are accredited by the dental board within their area and/or the American Dental Association. It is these states which include Louisiana and Arkansas, which have increased the training by stating that it must include topics like assessing and consulting with patients, potential side effects and risks of Botox, related treatments and how they are handled, and the contraindications and usage of Botox as well as the preparing and administering the injections, hands on training with real patients, and therapeutic usage of Botox. These states also restrict usage of dental Botox by stating that the dental offices forbid support staff like hygienists and dental nurses from administering the Botox.

Although, there are some states that do not have regulations on dental Botox. These states are Wyoming, Massachusetts, South Dakota, New Mexico, South Caroline and Pennsylvania. It also needs to be stated that any malpractice insurances will require those who provide Botox to have the appropriate training. There are a few states that do not have regulations that may be considering regulations soon.

Lastly, Delaware has a unique take on dental Botox. There have been several inquiries about Botox to the Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene and they have refused to take a position. It is during this time that Delaware is only treating a possible violation by looking at the dentists based on the case.

It is vital to understand that these regulations are often politically motivated and do not reflect on how a dentist performs the administration of Botox.

For more information about Botox in dentistry, visit dentox.com