The ins and outs of cosmetic dentistry: Trending services and procedures
Cosmetic dentistry-and cosmetic treatments as a whole-have skyrocketed in popularity over the last five years. To keep up with patient demand, dental practices have begun to offer more esthetic services to improve a patient's appearance. Now, many dental practices offer the same type of services traditionally associated with med spas.
Do you or your practice offer any cosmetic procedures? From lip fillers to Botox to veneers, here are some of the most popular articles from DentistryIQ, Dental Economics, and RDH magazine pertaining to all things cosmetic.
Lip fillers
Lip enhancements have recently migrated into the dental realm, particularly fillers. Whether patients opt for fillers to restore volume loss due to aging, improve symmetry, or simply to boost self-confidence, more hygienists are familiarizing themselves with the practice of doing lip injections. Here are some articles that dive into lip-related enhancements, including the dangers of fillers:
Dental assistants: Does your practice work on lips?
Lip fillers gone wrong: A pathology-centered perspective for dental hygienists
Dermal fillers and Botox
Another emerging market is the Botox and dermal fillers industry. Recently, there has been discourse in the dental community as to whether this service should be offered in dental clinics due to the risks associated with Botox (which is a neurotoxin) and esthetic injections as a whole. A "Botox Bill" is currently being considered in Massachusetts, which would allow hygienists to administer dermal fillers under the supervision of a licensed dentist after completing thorough training.1
Read more about Botox and esthetic facial injections:
Dental hygienists and Botox: It's complicated
Neurotoxin and derma fillers and your patients
The buzz about Botox: What dental hygienists need to know
Hygienists administering Botox: A good or bad idea? with Sarah Crow, RDH
Veneers
Veneers are another booming industry. Many young people, particularly members of Gen Z, have been opting to fix their smile through unlicensed "veneer techs" and DIY, snap-on veneers that have become popularized on social media sites like TikTok.2 However, offering safe, long-lasting alternatives to dangerous temporary fixes in your practice can safely improve a patient's smile. Below are recent articles all about veneers:
Direct-indirect composite veneers: Balancing esthetics and minimal intervention
It's time to consider composite veneers again
Predictable techniques for single provisional veneers
Strategies to engage patients in conservative cosmetic dentistry using composite veneers
References
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Maragliano P, R. Rice D. Hygienists administering Botox: A good or bad idea? with Sarah Crow, RDH. Dental Economics. September 9, 2025. https://www.dentaleconomics.com/dentistry-unmasked/podcast/55315276/hygienists-administering-botox-a-good-or-bad-idea-with-sarah-crow-rdh
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Butkovic S. The dangers of "veneer techs" and how social media makes them possible. DentistryIQ. June 6, 2024. https://www.dentistryiq.com/for-patients/cosmetic-dentistry/article/55056719/the-dangers-of-veneer-techs-and-how-social-media-makes-them-possible
About the Author
Sarah Butkovic, MA, BA
Sarah Butkovic, MA, BA, is an Associate Editor at Endeavor Business Media, where she works on creating and editing engaging and informative content for today's leading online dentistry publications. She holds a Master's English Language and Literature from Loyola University Chicago and is passionate about producing high-quality content that educates, inspires, and connects with readers.
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