Neurotoxins and dermal fillers

Dentists using neurotoxins and dermal fillers must:

• comply with the Guidelines for non-surgical cosmetic procedures
• comply with the Dental Board’s Code of conduct - ensure safe, effective care and act in the patient’s best interests
• comply with the Dental Board’s Scope of practice registration standard and guidelines - only provide treatments in which they are educated, trained and competent

Understanding these legal requirements is essential for safe and lawful practice. Dentists must comply with:

• State and territory drugs and poisons laws
• TGA regulations for advertising
• TGA regulations for ‘off-label’ use of scheduled medicines

The Dental Board’s Scope of practice registration standard and guidelines do not permit or prohibit specific medicines or how they are used.

Dentists must:

• only provide treatments in which they are educated, trained and competent
• only practise within the definition of dentistry

Dentists must be familiar with TGA-approved indications listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

Off-label use requires informed patient consent, with clear communication of risks and benefits.

Dentists are responsible for the secure use, storage and disposal of scheduled medicines, including neurotoxins and dermal fillers.

Dentists must not supply these medicines to unauthorised individuals unless the dentist is directly supervising the individual.

All advertising must comply with:

• National Law advertising requirements
• Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service
• Guidelines for advertising non-surgical cosmetic procedures
• State and Territory restrictions on advertising controlled substances
• TGA regulations for advertising

Additional resources are available via Ahpra’s Advertising Hub.