JCCP Clarifies Position on Dental Professionals Performing Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures

The Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners (JCCP) has issued a clarifying statement following a number of enquiries and concerns raised by dental professionals regarding their General Dental Council (GDC) regulated “scope of practice” when carrying out non-dental cosmetic procedures.

The concerns stem from a recent industry publication suggesting that the GDC no longer recognises non-dental cosmetic procedures as an additional skill within the professional scope of dental practitioners. In response, the JCCP has worked closely with the GDC to provide clarification on the matter and reassure registrants.

According to the JCCP, procedures such as botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments are not considered the practice of dentistry. While the GDC regulates dentistry and sets standards for dental practice, the regulation of non-dental cosmetic procedures falls outside its remit. As a result, the GDC has removed references to non-dental tasks, including “providing non-surgical cosmetic injectables,” from its updated guidance.

However, the JCCP emphasises that dental professionals remain responsible for acting within the broader professional framework established by the GDC. This means that dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists may continue to provide non-surgical cosmetic procedures, provided they are appropriately trained, competent and insured to do so.

The JCCP records a number of dental professional groups on Part A of its register, including dentists, dental hygienists and dental therapists. These professionals may extend their personal scope of practice into non-dental cosmetic activities by applying professional judgement and maintaining evidence of ongoing competence.

To help practitioners demonstrate competence in non-surgical cosmetic procedures, the JCCP provides two distinct registration pathways. Category 1 registrants are professionals who have successfully completed a JCCP-approved qualification relevant to the treatments they offer. Meanwhile, Category 2 registrants are required to self-assess their knowledge, skills and experience against the JCCP Competency Framework (2018), declaring that the procedures they perform fall within their professional scope of practice and can be carried out safely and effectively.

The organisation stresses that dental professionals undertaking cosmetic injectable procedures must be able to demonstrate suitable training, competence and indemnity or insurance coverage. Although the GDC does not provide specific guidance or standards relating to non-dental cosmetic treatments, dental professionals remain accountable to the GDC for their overall professional conduct.

The JCCP anticipates that dental professionals registered with the organisation will look to the JCCP for standards relating specifically to non-surgical cosmetic practice. As part of its role as a Professional Standards Authority Accredited Register, the JCCP requires all registrants to adhere to its Code of Practice and professional standards.

In addition, the JCCP shares relevant fitness to practise information concerning dental registrants with the GDC under an established Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations.

The organisation also clarified the position of dental nurses within its registration structure. Dental nurses are recorded on Part B of the JCCP register, which applies to professionally unregulated practitioners. It states that, in its view, dental nurses are unable to demonstrate the professional and academic attainment necessary for admission to Part A.

The statement concludes by advising professionals to consult the GDC Scope of Practice 2025 for further guidance and confirms that the JCCP worked closely with the GDC during the development of the clarification.