Why Dentists are Unparalleled Facial Aestheticians
After five long, hard years of university, studying medicine and dentistry for the last three years of their degree, a Dentist’s understanding of head and neck anatomy is excellent. It is supported by hours spent in the dissection clinic working on cadavers, dissecting every inch, chasing veins and arteries, and all structures of the human face, neck and chest cavity.
Dentists restore smiles and cure dental disease as well as applying their general medical knowledge to the patient’s needs, all whilst understanding various underlying systemic conditions. This combines aesthetics with clinical knowledge. The golden ratio is what is considered the standard ratio in assessing a smile as well as a face. A rejuvenated face can start from the rejuvenation of the teeth, which has both an aesthetic as well as a clinical benefit. Only a dentist can rejuvenate a smile and offer cosmetic enhancement in relation to the teeth, so this being the case means that a very accurate holistic approach can be applied to the face, neck and more.
It should not be forgotten that the degree in dentistry also incorporates modules on dermatology and histology. To summarize, Dentists have exceptional knowledge in both medical and aesthetics, and they are safe injectors as a result of this. Being hands-on from the beginning, they deliver a ‘sculpting’ result that is bespoke to each patient.
The trust between clinician and patient is often an already established bond, so empathy and integrity is very much an everyday part of their job. They are used to maintaining high clinical standards in a secure and controlled environment, being strictly regulated by various professional bodies as well as holding professional indemnity.
The perfect Facial Aesthetic Practitioner is a very skilled injector, clinically, with a gentle hand, an acute eye for aesthetics, and the ability to deal with any complications and medical emergencies. There are injectors out there with little or no understanding of all of the above. They represent a risk to the unknowing patient and the treatment is too often substandard. In order to be competitive on the market, they use cheap products available on the internet or from various distributors.
It is very unfortunate that these treatments are still unregulated, but it is reassuring that this is soon going to change. In the meantime, it is imperative that patients take their time to find a reputable, insured and qualified practitioner, as well as reflect on the possible impact of the procedure on both their physical and mental health.
There is another issue to consider, and that is that currently dermal fillers are not prescription-only and unlike Botox which is prescription-only, dermal fillers are considered either as a general product and are not subject to licensing or manufacturing controls. This allows the product to be purchased by practically anyone, regardless of their qualifications, knowledge or expertise. Complications arising by the inappropriate placement of fillers are widely known, with not only undesirable aesthetic results but potentially irreversible clinical damage.
Dentists have a regulated mindset in what constitutes ethical practice. They also perform in the perfect set up, where both cosmetic dentistry meets facial aesthetics. This overlapping expertise combined with their extensive clinical knowledge make them excellent providers of aesthetic procedures. In dentistry it is common practice to refer to colleagues, whether they are a specialist in any field of dentistry, or another medical professional, in order to apply a holistic approach when treating a patient. Continuing education is also part of maintaining standards, and this is also regulated by a strong professional body - the General Dental Council.
It is of interest to note that in the past, plastic surgeons were not very keen on injectables such as fillers, but have in the last few years noticed the shift towards injectable versus surgical procedures. They are incorporating these treatments within their own clinics and perhaps feel that being an aesthetic treatment, it should fall within themselves only. I would refrain from commenting on this, as technically botox treatment is widely used in dentistry for clinical uses such as grinding, clenching, TMJ disorders as well as headaches. Dermal fillers can also be used clinically in the corner of the mouth, so the subject of clinical vs aesthetics can be a lengthy discussion.
