Esra Bilgi ÖZYETİM, Merve DEDE
International Dental Research - 2026;16(1):1-14
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, clinical practices, preferred indications, and adverse effects associated with botulinum toxin (BTX) use among medical and dental practitioners in Türkiye. Methodology: An online, self-administered questionnaire adapted from previously published studies was conducted between October 9 and December 9, 2023. A total of 276 physicians and dentists across Türkiye voluntarily participated. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling via online distribution. The survey consisted of 16 questions assessing demographic characteristics, BTX experience, indications for use, number of patients treated annually, preferred commercial formulations, adverse effects, and bruxism management preferences. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and the Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test, with significance determined at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 53.3% of practitioners reported using BTX in clinical practice. The most common indications were bruxism (75.5%), facial wrinkles (67.3%), masseter hypertrophy (51.7%), and gummy smile (49%). OnabotulinumtoxinA was the most preferred formulation (73.5%). The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse effects were insufficient therapeutic response (49%) and localized stinging or burning pain during injection (22.4%). The injection-related adverse effects included pain (57.1%), bruising (49%), and headache (24.5%). Significant differences were observed across specialties and experience levels. BTX use was also significantly higher among practitioners working in private settings. Conclusion: The findings show that BTX was used by a considerable proportion of medical and dental practitioners in the study sample across both aesthetic and therapeutic indications. Differences observed according to workplace setting, certification status, specialty, and experience suggest that BTX-related practice patterns may not be uniform. These results highlight the potential need for structured education, certification, and standardization regarding BTX use in clinical practice.
