Ontario Dentists: Botox® & Dermal Filler Regulatory Requirements

Ontario dentists may use Botox® (botulinum toxin) and dermal fillers within the scope of dentistry

The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) permits dentists to administer botulinum toxin and dermal fillers for procedures that fall within the scope of practice of dentistry. The RCDSO, however, does not publish a specific Standard of Practice with a formal certification-level framework as some other provinces do.

Ontario dentists must be appropriately trained and competent to provide these treatments and are expected to comply with the RCDSO’s broader dental recordkeeping standards and general conduct guidelines when providing these services.

What Ontario dentists can treat

Under current RCDSO guidance:

• Botulinum toxin may be administered extra-orally for therapeutic purposes when the treatment falls within the scope of dentistry, including the management of certain temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and other oral-facial conditions.
• Botulinum toxin may be administered intra-orally for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.
• Dermal fillers may be administered intra-orally for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes.

Ontario dentists are not authorized to inject botulinum toxin or dermal fillers extra-orally for cosmetic purposes.

View the Ontario guidelines

View the RCDSO guidelines below or visit: www.rcdso.org

Botox and dermal filler training expectations

Ontario dentists using botulinum toxin or dermal fillers must be appropriately trained and competent to perform the procedures.

The RCDSO expects dentists using these substances to successfully complete appropriate education addressing areas including pharmacology, physiological activity, relevant diagnosis and indications, contraindications, head and neck anatomy, adverse reactions and their management, and hands-on clinical or clinical simulation training.

Dentists who intend to use botulinum toxin extra-orally for therapeutic purposes, including for the management of certain TMDs and other oral-facial conditions, are expected to pursue more extensive training.

PTIFAT Training for Ontario Dentists

PTIFAT’s anatomy-based education is designed to align with the educational expectations outlined by the RCDSO and provide dentists with comprehensive training in anatomy, patient assessment, therapeutic case selection, injection technique, patient safety and complication management.

It remains the responsibility of each dentist to ensure that any treatment they provide falls within their individual scope of practice and that they have the appropriate education, training and competence to perform the procedure.

Documentation expectations

Ontario dentists are expected to maintain records consistent with RCDSO general recordkeeping guidelines, including:

• Comprehensive medical and dental history
• Clinical examination and diagnosis
• Informed consent documented
• Treatment plan and all services rendered
• Pre- and post-treatment photographs (strongly recommended as best practice)
• Product details and dosage information

PTIFAT recommends Facetec as the preferred tool for clinical photography and patient documentation. Designed specifically for dentists, Facetec streamlines therapeutic treatment documentation, photo capture, patient records, and case documentation.

Learn more about Facetec

Advertising

Ontario dentists must follow RCDSO advertising guidelines. Advertising must be truthful and not misleading. Health Canada does not permit direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs beyond name, price, and quantity.

PTIFAT exceeds educational requirements

Training completed through PTIFAT exceeds the educational requirements outlined by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). PTIFAT’s courses are built on the FETAP framework and are designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in facial aesthetics and therapeutics training. View guidelines here.

As standards continue to evolve across Canada, PTIFAT graduates will be well positioned to adapt to emerging requirements with confidence and credibility. PTIFAT is also an ADA CERP-recognized continuing education provider, and our programs are specifically designed to meet and exceed Ontario’s educational expectations for injectable training.

Please note: It remains the responsibility of each dentist to confirm with their regulatory college that any training program meets the requirements applicable to their individual scope of practice and intended use before enrolling.

View our approved training pathway

Ready to meet Ontario’s requirements?

PTIFAT’s Level 1 and Level 2 programs cover anatomy, injection technique, documentation protocols, and practice integration — everything you need to complete your Botox training with confidence.

Speak to an educational advisor