Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: The increasing demand for minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, particularly botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injections, has expanded the scope of dental practice to include facial aesthetics. However, the safe and effective administration of BTX-A requires a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, including the topographic relationships of muscles, skin layers, and vascular structures. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the primary anatomical concerns and knowledge gaps among dentists performing BTX-A injections. Material and Methods: A structured questionnaire was distributed to 316 dentists, assessing their confidence and knowledge regarding facial anatomy and BTX-A application. Results: A total of 62% of participants had specialized training, while 37% had attended BTX-A-specific courses. Notably, professionals with specialized training demonstrated significantly greater confidence and anatomical knowledge compared to their non-specialized counterparts. Key areas of concern included the corrugator supercilii, levator labii superioris alaeque nasi, orbicularis oculi, frontalis, and platysma muscles, as well as the facial artery's location and depth. Over 80% of respondents reported limited or insufficient knowledge in these areas, highlighting a critical need for enhanced anatomical education and practical training. Conclusions: Botulinum toxin type A, Facial anatomy, Dental practice, Cosmetic Dentistry; Esthetic Dentistry.
DOI: 10.4317/jced.62917
Authors: PH. Caria, Jd. Sousa, WJ. Fávaro
Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP)
Language: English
Subfield: Dermatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4412816865