According to a 2023 study, twice as many dentists perform injectable cosmetic treatments than dedicated aestheticians. This may come as a surprise to clinicians who have spent their years of education and practise focusing solely on the dentition, surrounding soft tissue, and, at a push, maxillofacial features.
Observing the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons’ (BAAPS) 2023 annual audit, the number of non-surgical procedures (botulinum toxin, better known by the brand name Botox, and filler injections) performed had dropped by 11 per cent across the board from the previous year. However, when comparing 2022’s figures to 2021, the demand for Botox treatments had risen by 124 per cent. So, on balance, it is clear that interest has risen substantially in recent times.
Dentists are suited to developing their skills and meeting this fresh demand due to their clinical backgrounds and existing access to safe facilities. However, there are factors to consider before you offer such treatments to your patients.
Up-skilling clinicians
At the time of writing, there is no licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. In April 2022, the Health and Care Act passed on the power to establish a licensing regime to the secretary of state for health and social care, and a consultation was published in September 2023 regarding the procedures that could be subject to permits, along with thoughts on restrictions on practitioners and patients.
The GDC has publicly supported the outcomes of both the Health and Care Act and the 2023 consultation and provided its views on the prospective legislation in its response published in October 2023. Both the GDC’s feedback and existing standards for the dental team reiterate the need for clinicians to only perform procedures that are within their scope of practice, and which they are trained, competent, and indemnified to do so.
So, what can dentists do to prepare for any incoming legislation? On a personal level, they can enrol on training courses that will set them up to deliver safe, high-quality facial aesthetics treatment and care.
Clinicians could also explore membership to accredited registers for non-surgical cosmetic procedures – the 2023 consultation mentions Safe Face and the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners – which can help patients recognise the safety of a dental professional’s care, and offer clinicians support on how to optimise care.
Preparing the practice
Dental professionals need to ensure that their practice is suited to providing non-surgical cosmetic care before offering it to patients. This may include investing in new equipment, treatment spaces, and practice management systems.
One thing that must be catered for is the appropriate disposal of items used within aesthetic treatments. In an identical manner to dental care, clinicians must effectively separate different types of waste based on their risk of harm to clinicians, patients, and the environment. Health Technical Memorandum 07-01 (HTM 07-01) is the guiding document for healthcare professionals when it comes to waste separation and disposal, and the colour-coded waste guide is similarly applicable to non-surgical cosmetic care.
Distinguishing between the clinical waste types that go into orange or yellow containers is key. Known infected items must be placed in an orange bag or container, dependent on the characteristics of the waste (for example, whether it is a liquid or a sharp), including swabs or needles. However, if the risk of infection comes from pharmaceutical or anatomical contamination – for example a syringe that has delivered a pharmaceutical product – it must be placed in the yellow container.
A practice may find it quickly needs to invest in larger or additional purple waste containers, as non-surgical cosmetic care may produce more cytotoxic and cytostatic waste than general dentistry. This is due to the application of botulinum toxin, which can relax facial muscles that cause wrinkles, or help to correct asymmetries, because of its neurotoxic properties. Dental professionals must be sure to choose dedicated sharps bins to accommodate the syringes used in the treatment and ensure they are stationed in an easily accessible spot during care.
Choose effective solutions
Dental professionals setting up their practice to facilitate non-surgical cosmetic treatments should choose waste solutions from Initial Medical. Setting the standard in dental waste management in the UK, for over 45 years, their specialist waste management service helps support correct waste segregation on site. They offer a range of colour-coded clinical waste containers, with a big focus on sustainable solutions, including reusable sharps containers that save up to 89 per cent carbon production, minimising your practice’s plastic waste whilst being compliant with regulations and, ultimately, safe.
Dental professionals should consider exploring the non-surgical cosmetics industry, and the potential to carry out treatments in the practice. By improving their skills, and the equipment in their practice, they will be well set to provide optimal care when more robust legislation is inevitably introduced.
References available on request.
For more information visit www.initial.co.uk/medical