The GDC issued a statement on 10 July 2008 that non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as botulinum toxin and dermal fillers are not the practice of dentistry. As a dentist, can I no longer undertake these procedures?
The latest GDC statement suggests that the use of non-surgical procedures around the mouth may be legitimate additions to dentistry, whereas their use away from the perioral area is not. It adds that advertisements placed for the practice of dentistry must be separate from those for non-surgical cosmetic procedures and that dentists should make clear to patients that such treatments are not being provided in their capacity as a dentist. The DDU urges dentists to exercise caution in the way that they market and provide these treatments, particularly as it is not yet clear what might lead the GDC to take action against a registrant. We suggest dentists review their advertising and practice procedures to ensure the provision of facial cosmetic treatments is clearly separated from their practice of dentistry.
