The board allows certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who receive training in the use of Botox and dermal fillers, to use the injections in the course of treatment for “disease, disfigurement, or disfunction.’’ But some take issue with the distinction, saying that general dentists are most qualified to administer the injections and may take continuing education courses to learn how.
“As a licensed dentist, I can do dangerous, life-threatening surgery in the oral cavity,’’ Smith said in a recent interview. “Botox is not life-threatening in any way.’’
The state began investigating Smith soon after she told The Boston Globe in March that she had been offering the service for about a year and had seen high demand.
Smith agreed in July to surrender her license for at least six months, dating from the March investigation. The agreement said she had advertised Botox services and provided them in her office. Despite signing that document, Smith contends she had never administered Botox to patients, though she planned to.
The state agreement outlines a long list of other alleged violations, including the failure by Smith to conduct weekly tests of sterilization equipment, correctly store dental instruments, provide necessary emergency medical equipment, or maintain proper records. In addition, Smith improperly prescribed controlled substances, kept inadequate records of patients receiving them, and administered sedation without a permit, the document said.
Smith said she felt bulldozed by the board, which is overseen by the Department of Public Health. She said she tried to fix the violations within days of the investigation.
But Jean Pontikas, director of the Division of Health Professions Licensure, said Smith’s violations were serious. Smith’s use of Botox was “a minor issue’’ that may have prompted only a cease and desist notice if it weren’t for the other infractions, she said.
Pontikas said the Botox was not what prompted the board’s investigation, though she could not cite the specific cause.
