A recent survey of 126 dentists found that dentists are divided about whether they should be offering Botox injections as part of their services.

Only sixteen percent of the dentists surveyed currently offer the procedure. But many more would if the procedure was allowed in their jurisdictions.

The study found that dentists who specialize are much less likely to offer Botox than dentists who are GP's.

Interestingly, over three times as many male dentists as female dentists responding to this survey offer Botox - 20% of men, compared to only 6% of women.

Here are some of the comments by the dentists;

Botox is not for dentists

"I think we are too busy to take on the additional liability of these procedures." (New Jersey dentist)

"I'm a dentist - not a plastic surgeon." (Virginia dentist)

"It's not in the field of dentistry." (California periodontist)

"It's way beyond our scope of treatment. It is bad enough that Plastic Surgeons do this sort of thing." (Utah dentist)

Botox has been great for my dental practice

"I have an R.N. who comes into my office and offers a full range of cosmetic and laser procedures for my patients. She has also introduced some of her long-time patients to my practice. Facial aesthetics is a nice complement to a cosmetic dental practice." (California dentist)

Dentists and facial injections are a great combo

"I think anyone professionally trained to give subcutaneous injections should be able to administer Botox within a licensed medical/dental practice." (Michigan dentist)

"No one is better qualified to place Botox or Restylane than a dentist due to understanding facial symmetry issues. Bar none!" (Nevada dentist)

Dentists and Botox are not meant to be

"Since when was Botox or Restylane injections for facial/head/neck esthetics considered dentistry? I've never seen it taught or discussed in any dental textbooks or journals. It certainly is not in the definition of dentistry that the Ohio (or probably any other state) Dental Board considers in the realm of dentistry and covered by a dental license. I know some dentists are offering this service, but I have also heard from some that once patients request it around their lips, they many want you to do it elsewhere eventually! Where does it stop? I think dentists performing this service is ridiculous." (Ohio prosthodontist)