Dental students graduate with experience in esthetic therapies including dermal fillers and Botox

Thanks to support from the Dr. Henry Bianco Lectureship Series, the West Virginia University School of Dentistry’s Department of Restorative Dentistry provided a seminar for fourth-year dental students that applied their background in oral anatomy, pharmacology and dental materials to new knowledge and skills in the science and techniques required for delivering esthetic dental procedures. 

(Read more about Dr. Bianco and the first of the seminar of the lectureship series.)

Botox (botulinum toxin) and dermal fillers are used to reduce or eliminate facial wrinkles and folds that increase as a person ages. Also, botulinum toxin is often used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of migraines, temporomandibular joint disorders, and facial muscle pain.

Whether the goal is to flash a more harmonious smile, plump the lips, fight fine lines or mitigate migraines, more and more patients are turning to their oral healthcare providers for treatment beyond their teeth and oral cavity or mouth.

Before students in the dental school’s class of 2022 began the hands-on portion of the seminar, they learned about the aging process and its effects on the face and surrounding structures.

“The lecture included the review of basic head and neck anatomy including muscles of facial expression, vascular supply to the head and neck and nerve supply to the head and neck,” assistant professor Dr. Jonathan Abraham said.

See photos from the Dr. Henry Bianco Lectureship Series.

Students were introduced to:

1. Botox pharmacology, neurochemistry, and administration techniques
2. dermal filler products from a biomaterial perspective and their clinical administration techniques
3. clinical indications for botulinum toxin and dermal filler facial esthetic therapies
4. clinical indications for the use of botulinum toxin to treat orofacial pain
5. limited student administration of botulinum toxin in a clinical setting with demonstration patients

The seminar was well received. One student participant wrote: "The seminar was one of the best. It was so fun and I loved that we were able to get hands-on experience."

“My hope is that, moving forward, our graduating seniors can now make a well-informed decision as to whether or not they incorporate these treatment modalities into their future professional portfolios,” Abraham said.

Patients who are considering esthetic dentistry procedures can consult with WVU Dental providers by calling the faculty clinic at 304-293-5831 or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at 304-293-2841.