The General Dental Council (GDC) has confirmed its guidance on non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
This is the result of the GDC’s public consultation on the scope of practice of the dental team in 2008. It sought views on what different groups of professionals could do as part of their work and what would be valid additions to conventional dentistry.
The guidance now states: ‘Registrants choosing to offer Botox or other non-surgical cosmetic procedures should note that the GDC expects the same high standards of them, whatever the type of treatment they are carrying out.
‘In particular, they are advised to work within their knowledge and professional competence and be prepared to back up the decisions they make. Careful thought also needs to be given to maintaining professional standards in relation to advertising these services, and to the need to be indemnified.”
Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive and Registrar of the General Dental Council, said: ‘This is a complex issue which the GDC has considered carefully. Our primary concern is, as always, patient protection. We urge dental professionals to think very carefully about carrying out non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as Botox.
‘You must be certain you are trained and competent, and that you can achieve the same high standards we expect of you in other more traditional areas. Check you are indemnified for this type of work and think about how you are advertising these services. We expect our registrants to make responsible choices, putting patients first.’
