U of A offers only accredited neuromodulator course for dental undergrads in North America

Instructor Donald Wakeham with students in the neuromodulator course.
Instructor Donald Wakeham with students in the neuromodulator course. (Photo: University of Alberta)

The Mike Petryk School of Dentistry at the University of Alberta is offering what it says is the only accredited neuromodulator course available to undergraduate dental students in North America.

The course equips students with real-world skills that are increasingly in demand, according to the university.

“Programs like this offer students valuable real-world skills and interprofessional collaboration,” said James Yacyshyn, director of the school’s continuing dental education program. “It’s an opportunity for students to engage with medical and allied health professionals beyond traditional dental training.”

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Neuromodulators — such as Xeomin, Letybo and Botox — are injected into facial muscles to temporarily relax or inhibit muscle activity. The substances are used to treat muscle-related pain, manage certain medical conditions and reduce facial wrinkles.

The U of A course includes access to online and pre-course materials, followed by three days of intensive hands-on training. Students first practise injections on cadavers before moving on to supervised injections on live patients in a controlled clinical environment.

Training covers both therapeutic and esthetic uses, including patient assessment, facial anatomy, injection techniques and safety management.

The next intake for the Neuromodulator Level 1/2 course will open this fall for the DDS 2026 cohort. Twelve students will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis and will receive a continuing education certificate in neuromodulators upon graduation.

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