The New Jersey Board of Dentistry (Board) adopted a rule in November 2011 that allows dentists who meet specific requirements to administer botox and fillers.
Under the rule, a dentist can administer “injectable pharmacologics” but only after having completed a Board-approved post-doctoral course that “is sufficient to prepare a dentist to satisfactorily administer” such injections “safely and effectively.” The rule defines injectable pharmacologic to mean, among other things, hyaluronic acid, fillers, botulinum toxin, or similar products approved by the FDA. The courses must be offered at accredited dental schools, in a hospital based program or in a college or university clinical setting.
The course, which must be at least 21 hours in length, must provide instructions in a) anatomy of the head and neck; b) neurophysiology (including facial tissues, parasympathetic, sympathetic and peripheral nervous systems relative to the peri-oral tissues, and facial architecture); c) patient selection, including indications and contraindications; d) pharmacological effects and contraindications, including potential drug interactions e) management of complications; and f) informed consent.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are exempt from having to complete the educational requirements prior to administering injectable pharmacologics.
The Board has specified that dentists are authorized by statute to diagnose, treat, prescribe, or operate on the peri-oral area and that the administration of such injections for the enhancement of the peri-oral tissues “is within the scope of dental practice and, therefore, may appropriately be referred to as a ‘dental service.'”
Additional filing and procedural requirements must be met prior to administering injectable pharmacologics.
For more information on botox and other fillers that may be administered by NJ dentists, the Dental Practice Act, of if you have other questions concerning healthcare regulations, please contact our office.