A Dentist in Murray, Utah Might Soon Use Botox for Cosmetic Dentistry

A dentist in Murray, Utah might soon administer Botox for various cosmetic dentistry procedures. That is, if he would be allowed by the state to do so. While dentists are currently prohibited by the Dental Practice Act in Utah to use Botox, dental organizations are now considering updating the law.

Utah mandates that dentists only use Botox and dermal fillers if their application is \”related to and appropriate in the practice of dentistry.\” As far as the pro-botox camp is concerned, this law is vague considering that cosmetic procedures are also performed by licensed dentists.

Despite the small population of dentists in Utah, there are quite a few who offer dental aesthetics, like the tooth doctors at Ormsby Dental. These professionals perform both family dentistry (tooth extraction and root canal, etc.) and cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening, teeth bleaching, placement of porcelain veneers, etc.) operations. If the state allows them to administer Botox for cosmetic purposes, they might be able to stop wrinkles from appearing when people smile, too.

Those in favor of using Botox argue that Botox injections “are well within a dentist’s scope of practice.” They say administering it would just be the same as injecting local anesthetic. Although it has been reported to cause paralysis in rare cases, they note that its side effects are generally temporary.

“A Botox injection is a Botox injection, whether you’re using it to treat pain or reducing wrinkles, it’s still the same risk. Our practice is a cosmetic practice, so it would be pretty cool to use dermal fillers to really enhance patients’ smiles,\” Jordan Davis, an oral surgeon, was quoted as saying by The Salt Lake City Tribune. Oral surgeons like him are the only dental professionals allowed to administer Botox extraorally in the state.

However, the Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board—an advisory board that can make recommendations for a rule change—has remained undecided on the issue. According to the board\’s chairman, Rich Radmall, they are taking the “cautious” view but are considering if Botox is a real asset to the industry. The Utah Dental Association has not taken a hard stance, either. While they are not supporting the Botox appeal at present, they said that their decision could change in a year or two.

Despite the debate, many dental practitioners in the state have remained unengaged in the issue. This could be because most of their patients also do not ask them for a Botox treatment. Apparently, patients have a lot of options should they want this—for example, they can always go to a cosmetic surgeon for Botox injections and visit a dentist separately. Dr. Daniel Ormsby, a notable dentist in Murray, UT, is just one of the many practitioners in the area who are ready to give them dental care.