Are botulinum toxin injections or dermal filler treatments within the scope of practice for dentistry? 

Yes.

The Dental Quality Assurance Commission recently rescinded its 2013 interpretative statement titled “Dentist Scope of Practice – Use of Botulinum Toxin Injections/Dermal Filers.” The interpretive statement had stated, “the use of botulinum toxin injections or dermal fillers outside the treatment of dental related conditions for purely cosmetic purposes is not within the scope of practice of dentists not specialty trained as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.” 

The Commission decided to rescind the policy because it felt the 2013 interpretive statement was no longer consistent with RCW 18.32.020 (4) which states the practice of dentistry includes “any of the practices included in the curricula of recognized and approved dental schools.” This decision was informed by a review of curricula covering Botulinum Toxin Injections/Dermal Filers at several dental schools and a presentation by faculty at the UW School of Dentistry.