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Dental surgeons look to sink teeth into plastic surgery

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, April 26, 2005

Lawmakers have introduced legislation that would allow oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform elective facial cosmetic surgery.

The bill would allow these specially-trained dentists to apply for a permit to perform the plastic surgery. The Dental Board of California would oversee granting of the permits.

The law currently limits oral surgeons to stay within their specialty, treating diseases and injuries in the oral and jaw cavity, according to The Orange County Register. The law also allows them to perform additional work in an emergency, but only if no other doctor with applicable plastic-surgery training is available.

The new bill would allow oral surgeons to "perform otoplasty (pinning the ears back), to remove saggy skin and fat deposits from around the eyes, to perform liposuction on fatty necks, and to do full face-lifts," the Register reported.

It is already possible for oral surgeons to perform these procedures. It requires earning a dental and a medical degree, and working with plastic surgeons to receive additional training.

"Reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery require very different skills," said Dr. Anil Punjabi, who spent four extra years in school to earn a dual degree, according to the Register. "The training I receive in oral and maxillofacial surgery was not sufficient to competently treat my patients who wanted aesthetic procedures."

To view the bill, click here.

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