Injectables: Why Oral Health Therapists Deserve a Seat at the Table
When you hear the word “injectables,” your mind probably jumps straight to smooth foreheads, plump lips, or wrinkle-free smiles. But injectables go far beyond cosmetics — they’re increasingly being used in dentistry to manage conditions like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding).
Here’s where the conversation gets interesting. In Australia, dentists and registered nurses are legally allowed to administer Botox and dermal fillers. Oral Health Therapists (OHTs) and Dental Hygienists, however, are not. Which raises the question: why not?
After all, we already give local anaesthetic (LA) injections every single day — safely, effectively, and with a high level of patient trust.
So, let’s break it down.
Cosmetic & Therapeutic Benefits of Injectables
Injectables have two clear applications in the world of smiles:
Cosmetic benefits – Helping patients achieve a refreshed, youthful appearance by softening lines around the mouth and enhancing the harmony of their smile.
Therapeutic benefits – Offering real relief for patients with bruxism or TMD by relaxing overactive jaw muscles, reducing tension, and protecting teeth from excessive wear.
Both pathways directly align with oral health care — and OHTs are already on the frontline of diagnosing, managing, and treating conditions like bruxism.
The Disparity in Regulation
Here’s the frustrating bit:
Dentists – Yes, they can administer injectables.
Registered nurses – Yes, they can too.
Oral Health Therapists and Hygienists – Nope, not allowed.
Yet we all have the same knowledge of head and neck anatomy!
This doesn’t quite add up. We’re already trained, qualified, and experienced in giving injections into highly sensitive oral tissues. We perform them daily without fuss. Yet, when it comes to Botox or fillers, we’re sidelined.
Why Change Makes Sense
Expanding the scope of practice to include OHTs and Hygienists in the delivery of injectables isn’t just about fairness. It makes clinical and professional sense. Here’s why:
Safety – We already have proven competency in administering injections with precision in one of the body’s most complex areas.
Patient care – Many patients already see us for their preventive and cosmetic oral health needs. Being able to provide injectables would streamline their care under trusted providers.
Professional growth – It would expand career opportunities for OHTs and Hygienists, keeping more highly trained professionals engaged and thriving within the dental industry.
Accessibility – More qualified providers mean greater access for patients, especially in suburban and regional areas.
Looking Ahead
Injectables aren’t just about vanity. They’re about comprehensive health care, patient comfort, and giving people confidence in their smiles. Oral Health Therapists and Hygienists are uniquely placed to bridge the gap between oral health and facial aesthetics.
It’s time that regulation caught up with reality. With appropriate training, support, and oversight, there’s no reason why OHTs shouldn’t be part of the injectables conversation.
Until then, we’ll keep doing what we do best — transforming smiles, managing oral health, and advocating for a system that values fairness, skill, and common sense.
At Stunning Smiles, we’re all about helping you feel confident and comfortable in your smile. If you’d like to learn more about teeth whitening, oral health, or managing bruxism, book your appointment today.
