Australasian Dentist Issue 93
CATEGORY 82 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST LINICAL T here is certainly no denying the fact that when Botox injections, and other facial rejuvenation therapies like dermal fillers and thread lifts, were first pioneered and introduced to Dentists in Australia, by the Australasian Academy of Dento-Facial Aesthetics (ww.AADFA.net) back in 2010, it was a controversial move for the profession. While it’s debatable as to whether any controversy was ever really warranted, especially as there has never been a complaint upheld by regulators or any litigation from patients in relation to a dentist performing facial rejuvenation procedures (unlike the scores of cases involving dentists performing implants, orthodontics, root canals and prosthodontics); it was not entirely unexpected given that anything new in dentistry seems to set the proverbial cat amongst the same old groups of pigeons. The samewas truewith the introduction of implants, short-term orthodontics, considerations around airways and sleep disturbances there was even push-back over teeth whitening. Commonly, the resistance and negative commentary around innovative steps for the profession often come from people with no real knowledge, insight or experience with the new offering. The most vocal detractors across different forums tend to be those who are either inherently nervous about change and/or those feeling insecure, jealous or uneasy about being left behind, realising they lack the ability, knowledge or understanding to provide new offerings and keep pace with the ever-evolving nature of dentistry. Such voices will always try and hold others back to a level on which they feel comfortable, such is life. Thankfully, most rational and confident dentists accept that while they may not wish to, or be able to, personally engage in new areas, they would never begrudge their colleagues from doing so, nor undermine the advancement of the broader profession, recognising that it would simply be petty, spiteful and unprofessional to claim that those who can, shouldn’t. Ultimately, true professionals live by a “to each their own, as long as the patient is happy and well-cared for”, philosophy. However, now that Botox injections and other skin rejuvenation procedures have become an accepted part of the dental profession; with AADFA having worked with the Dental Board, the ADA and indemnity insurers to have clear policies in place stating as much; what continues to be inexplicableare theblatant lies somepeople continue to promote among their fellow dental professionals. At this late stage, after all has been said and done to advance the profession in this sphere, to continue to deal in untruths and scaremongering must only be to hide their own personal and/or professional inadequacies. Here are the TOP 3 lies (and the truth behind them), that continue to permeate through the dental profession in relation to performing facial aesthetic procedures: 1. “Certain facial procedures are outside your scope of practice” Seemingly, few dentists realise that AHPRA and the Dental Board do not dictate which clinical procedures can and cannot be performed by practitioners. While regulators are responsible for laying down a broad set of general codes, guidelines and standards, there is (necessarily) considerable clinical freedom afforded to practitioners so that they can provide their patients with the best care for their individual circumstances. Policies put in place by responsible regulators are deliberately open-ended in recognition that healthcare delivery is constantly evolving. To be overly restrictive would ultimately stifle innovation, to the detriment of the public they serve. This is true of all facets of modern dentistry, with facial rejuvenation procedures viewed no differently by regulators than any other procedure performed. Essentially, provided a dentist is appropriately trained/educated; provided they have indemnity insurance to cover the procedures being performed; provided they are working within their own competency, following accepted protocols backed by scientific literature; and so long as they are adhering to the over-arching principles around professional ethics; then practitioners are free to provide any services they wish across their area of expertise.That area of expertise is best thought of as the complete oral and maxillofacial regions, given it is that anatomy which forms the foundation knowledge a dentist attains at university. TheDentalBoardhasmade thisposition abundantly clear and have published some great resources on their website, in the form of recorded webinars, Q&A sessions, position statements and reflective practice tools, to help practitioners understand the landscape without having to listen to those who troll the profession from the peanut gallery. Ultimately, the key to ensuring safe and compliant practice with new procedures, By Dr Myles Holt, BDS, LLM (Heath&Medical), MSc (Aesthetic Medicine), FIADFE, AADFA Director & Head Trainer Dr Myles Holt Three lies dentists are told about Botox
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