The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) has welcomed the possibility of a review of cosmetic dentistry.
Sir Bruce Keogh’s recent Review of the Regulation of Cosmetic Interventions acknowledged concerns around the lack of overarching standards and regulation within the field – suggesting that Ministers may wish to consider a review of this area.
The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) said it views the Keogh report as an important step towards ushering in better standards and regulation in cosmetic practice, while providing a timely opportunity to assess patient care and safety standards within cosmetic dentistry.
The FGDP(UK), along with the other dental faculties in the UK, has written to Earl Howe, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, offering support and expertise should the Government decide to take forward such a review.
The Faculty welcomes the report’s recommendation to ensure that only practitioners who are qualified appropriately are able to administer dermal fillers and Botox (botulinum toxin).
It also support a move towards more responsible advertising practices and better provision of appropriate aftercare to ensure patient safety.
The FGDP(UK) has sought to set standards in this area with the introduction of our Masterclass in Facial Aesthetics, which includes assessment via the presentation of a clinical case. The course not only teaches general principles but also examines ethical, psychological and medico-legal considerations, all fundamental aspects of any cosmetic intervention.
Dean of the FGDP(UK), Trevor Ferguson, said: 'As with tooth whitening, the dental profession has a concern around the provision of treatment by non-healthcare practitioners, and this concern has also been voiced around injectables.
'Given the demand among patients and the potentially serious consequences for patient safety in this area, the Keogh report has provided a timely opportunity to review the quality of patient care and standards of training across all areas of cosmetic dentistry, and we will be seeking a leading role in discussions.'
