Thursday, May 9, 2013

Dentists Administering Dermal Fillers

By Cleah Sphan


Dermal fillers have now become part and parcel of cosmetic surgery across many parts of the world. However, guidance dictates that these procedures be performed by healthcare professionals that are trained in this procedure. Until the recent past, this procedure was primarily performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists. Dentists have also been licensed to deliver dermal fillers in certain states in America, in order to treat certain kinds of conditions.

Below, we will be going over some of the guidelines regarding dentists that perform dermal filler treatments.

A bit about dermal fillers

Dermal fillers are primarily composed of hyaluronic acid which is a natural component of skin. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid within the skin reduces significantly causing lines and wrinkles. Wrinkles and lines are reduced by using dermal fillers, this will make skin appear younger and brighter. The lips are another area where these fillers can be used, as lips can be enhanced this way.

Dentists administering dermal fillers

There has been a fair bit of controversy regarding whether or not dentists should in fact be injecting dermal fillers into patients. The claim that opponents of this sometimes make is that dentists are trained in the oral cavity and not extensive facial anatomy. However, dentists argue to the contrary stating that they do have extensive knowledge of the facial muscles as these are actively involved in a number of functions pertaining to the oral cavity.

Prescription and administration of dermal fillers by dentists has now been approved by the California dental board. The certification has been applauded by dentists, as they firmly believe in their qualifications to deliver these dermal filler treatments. Dermal fillers can only be administered for therapeutic purposes, as the board has stipulations on which specific conditions can be treated with this method. Furthermore, proper training is essential before being permitted to inject them.

Depending on which state is involved, the rules may vary. For example, the Georgia Dental Association allows dentists to inject dermal fillers for dental purposes only after they have undergone a 21 hour training program.

Limitations

At this time, it looks like a lot of dental boards in states in America are now allowing dentists to administer dermal filler injections when it is in relation to a therapeutic dental procedure. Cosmetic injection or other reasons of using dermal fillers not related to dentistry are not permitted, and there are serious legal issues surrounding it. Dentists are obligated to look at the rules in their own state and the board governing it, to find out if they are eligible to get the necessary training needed to deliver these treatments.

Conclusion

With each passing year, the advancements in dentistry accumulate, and this goes for cosmetic surgery as well. The injection of dermal fillers is permitted nowadays for issues that are involved directly in dentistry, but for cosmetic reasons, dentists are extremely limited in what they are allowed to do. There is no doubt that in the future it may well be that dentists can perform dermal filler procedures for cosmetic purposes but for the time being it is advised that every dentist check with the local state board as to what they can and cannot do.




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