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EDUCATION AND TRAINING

A Structured Path to Safe, Accredited Practice

A structured, auditable pathway to competence in facial aesthetics for GDC-registered dentists.

What is Medical Aesthetics for Dentists?

Medical non-surgical aesthetics for dentists refers to cosmetic treatments that dentists can provide without surgery, typically using injectable products and skin rejuvenation techniques to improve facial appearance and complement dental treatments.

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Because dentists have extensive training in face and neck anatomy, prescribing and injection techniques, they can offer certain aesthetic procedures (subject to training, regulations and licensing requirements). The GDC has recently ruled that these treatments are outside the scope of dental practice, but dentists can separately demonstrate competence in this area via other accreditation routes. 

ADAP has been established to assist dentists with this proces to comply with GDC standards (GDC standard 7.2).

Common treatments include:

  • ​Botulinum toxin

  • Dermal fillers

  • Skin boosters, mesotherapy and polynucleotides

  • Biostimulatory injectables

  • Fat dissoloving injections (deoxycholic acid)

  • PRP and other autologous treatments

  • PDO and other absorbable threads

  • Skin treatments such as microneedling and RF microneedling, prescription skincare, laser, light and energy based treatments (depending on training and regulations).

Why dentists offer these treatments

Aesthetic dentistry focuses on the smile, but the smile is part of the overall face. Non-surgical facial aesthetics can:

  • Enhance the results of cosmetic dental work.

  • Improve facial balance and harmony.

  • Address age-related volume loss around the mouth and lower face.

  • Help patients achieve a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation result.

Training requirements

Dentists who provide medical aesthetics typically undertake additional postgraduate training in:

  • Facial anatomy

  • Skin anatomy and physiology

  • Patient assessment and consultation

  • Treatment techniques

  • Managing complications

  • Relevant legal and regulatory requirements

ADAP is currently developing a new education and training framework for dentists working in aesthetics.

Education and Training Framework

ADAP recognises that considerable change is occurring in relation to the status of dentists undertaking non-surgical treatments and the impact of potential regulatory changes currently being considered by the UK government and devolved authorities. ADAP is monitoring this activity and its Education and Training Committee will be reviewing developments. In the meantime, ADAP will work within the various recognised standards and competency frameworks that exist such as the JCCP.

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Aim: To provide a structured, auditable pathway for GDC registered dentists to achieve and maintain competence in facial aesthetics, ensuring compliance with Standards for the Dental Team 2023.

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The GDC update in November 2025 has confirmed that facial aesthetics is not within the core scope of dentistry. It is an elective, additional practice area requiring postgraduate training.

 

The ADAP Education and Training Committee is working on a major project supported by Galderma to look at the development of an 'Education and Training Framework' for dentists providing non-surgical aesthetic treatments. This is a complex task linked to new regulatory and licensing changes to be introduced in the UK over the next 2/3 years. ADAP will consider all existing education and training standards and frameworks as part of this process and consult widely.

ADAP Programmes & Training Providers Directory

Coming soon — the accredited programme list and training provider directory will appear here once finalised by the Education and Training Committee.

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