The General Dental Council has confirmed its guidance on non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and on prescribing, manufacturing and fitting dental appliances, following consultation.

For its guidance on non-surgical cosmetic procedures the Council sought views on what different groups of professionals could do as part of their work and what would be valid additions to conventional dentistry.

The guidance now states: 'Registrants choosing to offer Botox or other non-surgical cosmetic procedures should note that the GDC expects the same high standards of them, whatever the type of treatment they are carrying out. In particular, they are advised to work within their knowledge and professional competence and be prepared to back up the decisions they make. Careful thought also needs to be given to maintaining professional standards in relation to advertising these services, and to the need to be indemnified.'The GDC's guidance on prescribing, manufacturing and fitting dental appliances follows a 12 week consultation on the issue which closed in August 2008. The purpose of the guidance is to ensure that dentists, dental technicians and clinical dental technicians understand and are responsible for the decisions they make when commissioning or manufacturing dental appliances.

For further information and to see the guidance in full visit the GDC website at http://www.gdc-uk.org.