An island-based dentist is to help in the fight against botched beauty treatments.

From October, Dr Tracey Bell will be working with Salford University (in partnership with the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital) to introduce a new post-graduate certificate in non-surgical facial aesthetics.

Dr Bell has over 20 years’ experience in aesthetic dentistry and 17 years’ experience in facial aesthetics.

She said: ’The aesthetics industry has rapidly grown and changed; the demographic changed and with that came risk.’

The Douglas-based dentist has recently completed an MA in dental law and ethics, with a dissertation based on the regulation of injectables in the UK.

’The UK is one of the worst regulated countries for aesthetics in the world.

’To me that meant patients were and continue to be at risk.

’Throughout my research, I spoke to various regulatory bodies including the JCCP (the Joint Council for Cosmetic Practitioners). I am now a trustee on the JCCP, which aims to regulate aesthetic treatments.’

Dr Bell’s interest in aesthetics started in 2002 when she looked at herself in the mirror and felt that she looked tired.

She briefly contemplated surgery to turn back the clock, but her mother suggested finding out about Botox.

Now she is both a patient, and a practitioner.

’I wear two hats,’ she said. ’I’m me, as a consumer, for example, I sit in that chair because I want to be forever young. And then, I am the practitioner, I want my patients to be safe, I want them to have treatments that work and I want evidence-based results.’

Salford University approached Dr Bell via Professor Cemal Ucer, described as a leading authority in the world of dentistry, in 2018 and together they have created the new course in non-surgical facial aesthetics.

Dr Bell said: ’Professor Ucer was my tutor some 20 years ago and was a fantastic one, so it was a natural progression to work together on delivering this course. I had no hesitation in accepting and it’s an honour to take on the role of team lead.’

The course will enable students to learn about Botulinum toxin, fillers and facial aesthetics while also being able to demonstrate their level of practical and clinical understanding of these treatments.

It will be practical and successful students will obtain 60 credits at level 7 from Salford University.

’Learning is a lifelong commitment and I believe in the sharing of ideas, skills and education,’ said Dr Bell.

’I believe in communication and the old-fashioned system of: Tell, show, do, learn, repeat and review.’

Asked whether she had any advice for people considering taking her course, Dr Bell said: ’The simple answer is: Just do it. In my opinion, education is key in any profession.

’Self improvement is a must in a patient centred career and in aesthetics, the skill of the practitioner is key. I really believe that regulation is inevitable and therefore if we look at JCCP guidelines, level 7 is going to be a necessity for all aesthetic injectors who want best practice and clinical skill to put them at the very top of their industry.’

The course will be taught over two semesters and will ensure that the practitioner is proficient, skilled, knowledgeable and has met industry and academic standards.

It is built around those who are either new or experienced in aesthetics and Dr Bell thinks that there will be greater regulation for the aesthetics industry.

Tracey Bell graduated in dentistry at the University of Manchester in 1993.

She has continued her education in dentistry and NSFA over the last 26 years while completing a masters in dental law and ethics at Bedfordshire in 2016 and in 2019 obtaining a graduate diploma in law (commendation).