Knowledge and practice of faculty members of dental colleges in Saudi Arabia on non-surgical facial aesthetics (botox & dermal fillers)

Abstract

Background: Botulinum toxin (BTX) and dermal fillers (DF) are some of the most popular aesthetic interventions used nowadays. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and opinions of the use of BTX and DF in aesthetic and therapeutic dental treatment by dental faculty members of different dental colleges in Saudi Arabia. Methodology: In the current study, 245 questionnaires were distributed to faculty members of Saudi dental colleges to assess their knowledge of non-surgical facial aesthetic (NSFA) procedures. The questionnaire consisted of questions about the indications and side effects of botulinum toxin and dermal filler types. Results: Among the participants, 35.5% knew about the therapeutic uses of BTX, 88.6% thought that wrinkle reduction was the most common indication of BTX. Among the participants, 80% chose lip augmentation as the most common indication of dermal fillers, whereas 40.8% of participants thought that allergic reaction was more commonly seen with BTX; however, 36% thought that asymmetry was more associated with dermal fillers. A statistically significant difference was observed across genders about the indications and side effects of BTX (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: It was found that faculty members in Saudi Arabia had limited knowledge about NSFA source, dosage, side effects, and applications. Female faculty members of Saudi dental colleges have a significantly better knowledge about NSFA types and indications.