Under what condition can a dentist without an EFCS permit provide cosmetic Botox and fillers?

A dentist without an Expanded Function Certification for Surgery (EFCS) permit can provide cosmetic Botox and fillers as part of a comprehensive dental treatment plan because in this context, the procedures are integrated into the overall care of the patient’s dental health and aesthetic goals. This allows the dentist to utilize their knowledge of facial anatomy and the relationship between dental health and aesthetics to enhance the patient's smile.

When Botox and fillers are considered part of a comprehensive plan, it emphasizes the dentist's responsibility to ensure that these treatments are safe, appropriate, and beneficial within the scope of dental care. This approach aligns with the practice of providing cosmetic enhancements that also relate to dental treatments, helping to achieve both functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Using Botox or fillers as standalone treatments or solely for medical reasons may not align with the regulations that govern non-medical purposes in a dental setting. Similarly, performing these treatments as directed by another dentist lacks the legal authority and responsibility unless the treating dentist has appropriate qualifications and permits. Therefore, the correct context for the provision of these cosmetic treatments by a dentist without an EFCS permit is when they are included in a broader dental treatment strategy.