The Botox in Dentistry Workshop

Level 1 - Self Study

Basics and Anatomy

Course Objectives:

1. Understand the basics of Botulinum Toxin (Botox) and its applications in dentistry.
2. Learn facial anatomy, focusing on muscles relevant to Botox administration.
3. Identify common dental and aesthetic issues treated with Botox.

Module 1: Introduction to Botox in Dentistry

1. Overview of Botulinum Toxin:
2. What is Botox and how does it work?
3. History and regulatory considerations.
4. Role in dentistry: therapeutic and aesthetic uses.
5. Indications for Use: Bruxism, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, masseter hypertrophy, gummy smiles, and facial pain.

Module 2: Facial Anatomy for Dentists

1. Anatomy of the Head and Neck:
2. Muscles involved in facial expressions and mastication.
3. Nerves and blood vessels to be aware of during Botox injections.
4. Anatomical Landmarks:
5. Key areas for safe and effective Botox injections.
6. Identifying areas to avoid (nerve bundles, arteries).

Module 3: Botox Pharmacology

1. Mechanism of Action:
2. How Botox interacts with neuromuscular junctions.
3. Onset, duration, and metabolism of Botox.
4. Types of Botulinum Toxin:
5. Botox, Dysport, Xeomin – differences and similarities.
6. Dosage and potency considerations.

Module 4: Patient Assessment

1. Patient Selection:
2. Contraindications, precautions, and risk factors.
3. Screening for medical conditions affecting treatment suitability.
4. Treatment Planning:
5. Establishing goals for therapeutic and cosmetic Botox use.
6. Documentation and informed consent protocols.

Level 2 - LiVE Patient

Practical Botox Training for Dentists

Course Objectives:

1. Gain hands-on experience in administering Botox injections.
2. Master techniques for treating dental conditions and enhancing facial aesthetics.
3. Develop competence in handling complications and follow-up care.

Module 1: Injection Technique

1. Preparation:
2. Sterilization and setup of the treatment area.
3. Botox reconstitution and storage guidelines.
4. Injection Techniques:
5. Needle selection, angle, depth, and safety considerations.
6. Common injection sites: masseter, frontalis, glabella, orbicularis oculi.
7. Practical Workshop.

Module 2: Botox for Therapeutic Applications

1. Managing TMJ Disorders:
2. Botox for relieving TMJ pain and reducing muscle tension.
3. Treating Bruxism:
4. Reducing masseter hypertrophy and protecting dental structures.
5. Treating Gummy Smiles:
6. Injection points and dosage to reduce excessive gingival display.

Module 3: Botox for Facial Aesthetics

1. Cosmetic Uses of Botox:
2. Relaxing frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead wrinkles.
3. Enhancing facial symmetry and softening expressions.
4. Injection Techniques for Aesthetics:
5. Targeting specific muscles for cosmetic results without impairing function.
6. Managing patient expectations for cosmetic treatments.

Module 4: Complications and Post-Treatment Care

1. Recognizing and Managing Side Effects:
2. Bruising, swelling, asymmetry, ptosis (eyelid drooping), etc.
3. Post-Injection Care:
4. Patient education on post-procedure activities and follow-up.
5. Handling patient concerns and touch-ups.
6. Legal and Ethical Considerations:
7. Staying within the scope of practice as a dentist.
8. Record-keeping, liability, and patient consent issues.

Level 3 - LiVE Patient

Facial Esthetics for Dentists

Course Objectives:

The level 3 training will enable the dentist to use neurotoxins for esthetic purposes on the mid and lower face, as well as the neck, and for pain treatments and myofacial dysfunctions.

Anatomy and Pharmacology

1. Advanced training on the skeletal and muscular anatomy of the oral cavity, mid and lower face, neck, base of the skull, and associated structures.
2. Advanced training on the use of type A botulinum toxins and dermal fillers.
3. Pharmacology of recent type A botulinum toxins and introduction to dermal fillers. Learning the synergy between these two injectable pharmaceutical substances (note: Level 4 is required for the use of dermal fillers).

Patient Examination

1. Review of the medical history related to type A botulinum toxins for aesthetic purposes on the mid and lower face, neck, and for pain treatments and myofascial dysfunctions.
2. Examination of patients for the use of type A botulinum toxins tailored to aesthetic and therapeutic needs.
3. Taking calibrated photographs to document the regions targeted for aesthetic treatments of the mid and lower face as well as the neck.
4. Diagnosis related to the aesthetics of the mid and lower face, as well as the neck, and pain and myofascial dysfunctions.

Treatment Plan, Interventions, and Follow-ups

1. Integration of type A botulinum toxins into a comprehensive treatment plan for myofascial pain management.
2. Indications and contraindications for using type A botulinum toxins for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes.
3. Aesthetic treatments for the mid and lower face, as well as the neck, using type A botulinum toxins.
4. Treatment of gingival smile using type A botulinum toxins as a non-surgical alternative.

Requirements, Assessment and Certification

Level 1: Online module, it is necessary to finish level 1 before starting level 2. Written exam on Botox pharmacology, anatomy, and patient assessment.

Level 2 & Level 3: Practical assessment during hands-on workshop.

Requirements: Every participant must bring a minimum of 3 patients to the workshop on day 2 of Level 2 & Level 3, and must submit a current copy of their dental license and malpractice insurance.

Patients: Participants are responsible for their patient fees. A discounted workshop rate of $6/unit is charged for each patient receiving treatment in the clinic by the participants during day 2 of the Level 2 & Level 3 workshops.

Certification: 

1. Level 1: Upon completion of online modules and successfully passing the online assessment.
2. Level 2: Upon completion of hands-on evaluation and instructor sign-off.
3. Level 3: Upon completion of hands-on evaluation and instructor sign-off. 

This two-tiered course provides dentists with the essential knowledge and skills to integrate neuromodulator "Botox" treatments into their practice both safely and effectively.

ODQ guidelines: These workshops are offered in compliance with the ODQ requirements and guidelines to implement neuromodulators like Botox into your dental practice. (in French)

ODQ - FAQ: 👉 Click here 👈 for more resources (in French)