MENEZES, C. C. O.; http://lattes.cnpq.br/7974923286158850; MENEZES, Camila Cândido Oliveira.
Resumen:
The progressive growth in demand for rejuvenation and a beauty standard has disseminated the
applicability of botulinum toxin in the field of aesthetic dentistry. Botulinum toxin, known as a
potent neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, is administered through intramuscular
injections to control signs of aging. However, its use goes beyond aesthetic treatment; it can be
employed as an adjunct in functional treatments for temporomandibular disorders, myofascial
pain, tension headaches, sialorrhea, hemifacial spasms, gummy smiles, to assist in periodontal
and implant surgeries, in brachycephalic patients whose muscular strength complicates
orthodontic mechanics, and other conditions affecting the maxillofacial complex. Thus, the
present study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental undergraduates from the first to the last
semester at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Campus Patos/PB, regarding botulinum
toxin and its applications in this new era of orofacial harmonization in dentistry. It is a
descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative-qualitative approach, conducted through
an online questionnaire administered via the Google Forms platform. The questionnaire
included extensive inquiries about botulinum toxin and its therapeutic use. This research had a
sample of 209 students from all periods of the Dentistry course. The results revealed a
consensus among 98.6% of the students who consider botulinum toxin an important tool for the
dentist concerning its therapeutic, functional, and aesthetic applications, although the majority
(66.5%) were unaware of its mechanism of action or existing serotypes (85.2%). Furthermore,
82.3% of the sample expressed agreement regarding the desire for orofacial harmonization to
be included in the curriculum as a mandatory component. Therefore, the importance of
expanding the teaching of orofacial harmonization in the university curriculum of dental
institutions in Brazil is evident, as its widespread use requires specific knowledge and training
for the dentist, contributing to a better quality of life among patients.
