The use of neurotoxins and dermal fillers in dentistry is dependent on the dentist’s clinical judgement in consultation and with the consent of the patient. These procedures must only be carried out by dentists who are appropriately educated.
2.1. The use of neurotoxins and dermal fillers has become part of the practice of dentistry over the past
decade.
2.2. Dentists through their oral and maxillofacial anatomy education are the only appropriately qualified
dental practitioner to administer neurotoxins and dermal fillers.
2.3. The Board has released a Fact Sheet on the use of neurotoxins and dermal fillers in dentistry on its website.
2.4. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulates the use of neurotoxins and dermal fillers.
2.5. Some applications of neurotoxins and dermal fillers are classified as Off-Label Use. The TGA does
not assess Off-Label Use.
2.6. Off-Label Use of scheduled medication requires clinical judgement of the practitioner and consent
of the patient.
2.7. The use of neurotoxins and dermal fillers may be limited by state and territory drugs and poisons
legislation.
2.8. There are restrictions on the advertising of neurotoxins and dermal fillers.
Definitions
2.9. BOARD is the Dental Board of Australia
2.10. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT is the means by which members of the
profession maintain, improve and broaden their knowledge, expertise and competence, and
develop personal and professional qualities required throughout their professional lives.
2.11. DENTAL PRACTITIONER is a person registered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation
Agency via the Board to provide dental care.
2.12. A DENTIST is an appropriately qualified dental practitioner, registered by the Board to practise all
areas of dentistry.
2.13. DENTISTRY is defined as the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical,
surgical, or reversible and irreversible procedures) of diseases disorders, irregularities or conditions
of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent and associated structures and their impact
on the human body.
2.14. NEUROTOXINS are substances that interfere with conductivity of motor nerves, thus preventing
them from functioning
2.15. OFF-LABEL USE is when a drug is prescribed for an indication, a route of administration, or a
patient group that is not included in the approved product information document for that drug.
2.16. DERMAL FILLERS are injected under the skin to restore volume, smooth lines and enhance facial
contours to address wrinkles, folds and signs of ageing.
3.1. Dentists should be the only dental practitioner able to administer neurotoxins and dermal fillers.
3.2. Dentists must comply with any requirements of the Board and their state and territory drugs and
poison legislation, including appropriate legal consent requirement.
3.3. Dentists who use neurotoxins and dermal fillers as part of their practice of dentistry or adjunctive to
dentistry will be expected to have completed appropriate education to ensure the safety of the public.
3.4. If a dentist does decide to use neurotoxins and dermal fillers off-label then this is a clinical judgement that should be made in consultation with and consent of their patient.
3.5. Before using neurotoxins and dermal fillers dentists must confirm that their professional indemnity
policy provides appropriate cover for the treatment.
3.6. Dentists must not delegate treatment involving neurotoxins and dermal fillers.
June 2025
June 2030
This Policy Statement is linked to other Policy Statements:, 6.8 Evidence-Based Dentistry & 5.15 Consent to Treatment
