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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Dermal Filler Procedures and Dentists

By Cleah Sphan


Dermal fillers have now become part and parcel of cosmetic surgery across many parts of the world. Only those who are certified to administer the treatments are allowed to so, as there are guidelines that must be followed. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons were the only professionals who have traditionally been allowed to administer these treatments until recent changes. These days in certain parts of the United States, dentists are now licensed to administer dermal fillers to patients for a selected number of reasons.

In this article we shall take a look at the role of dentists in administering dermal fillers to patients.

Some brief information on dermal fillers.

A natural component in human skin is hyaluronic acid, and this is what dermal fillers are mainly comprised of. Wrinkles and lines are formed in our faces as we get older because there is less hyaluronic acid in the skin. Skin can look much more youthful and refreshed after wrinkles and lines are reduced using dermal fillers. The lips are another area where these fillers can be used, as lips can be enhanced this way.

Dermal fillers and Dentists

Some discussions and arguments have been going on as of late, as opinions vary on whether dentists should be certified to inject dermal fillers. The claim that opponents of this sometimes make is that dentists are trained in the oral cavity and not extensive facial anatomy. During dentistry training, the facial muscles are studied in great detail, so dentists will argue that they are more than qualified in the anatomy of the face.

Dentists in California have now been approved by their dental board for prescribing and administering dermal fillers. The recent changes are being praised by dentists, because according to them, they can deliver these treatments with the necessary training they have. The board does have some limitations about which conditions a dentist can administer this treatment for, and therapeutic reasons is the exception where permission is granted. Before being certified, the essential training in the process must be undertaken.

The guidelines vary between states. Dentists are only allowed to use dermal filler injections for dental reasons after a training program that lasts 21 hours, in the state of Georgia, according to the Georgia Dental Association.

Limitations

After performing an extensive review of the dental boards in most other states in the United States, it appears that many states now allow dentists to perform dermal filler procedures as long as it is related to or required for a dental therapeutic purpose. Cosmetic injection or other reasons of using dermal fillers not related to dentistry are not permitted, and there are serious legal issues surrounding it. It is essential that every dentist check with the local state board to see if they would be allowed to inject dermal fillers should do receive the right training.

Conclusion

With each passing year, the advancements in dentistry accumulate, and this goes for cosmetic surgery as well. Dentists are now allowed to inject dermal fillers for dental related procedures but appeared to be still limited with what they can do when it comes to cosmetic reasons. It looks as if dentists may be able to administer cosmetic related dermal filler treatments in the near future, but local state boards should be consulted by dentists who wish to treat patients using these methods.




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