Dr Rossington is a dental surgeon and founder/medical director of Renavé Clinic in Nottinghamshire. She serves as editor of the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry and contributes as a clinical trainer and editorial advisory board member. Recognised as ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at the Aesthetics Awards 2026, she is known for excellence and innovation in aesthetic medicine. A passionate advocate for elevating standards in the specialty, Dr Rossington frequently delivers lectures on leadership, authenticity and advanced clinical techniques, empowering professionals to achieve outstanding patient care and redefine modern aesthetic practice. 

---

1. For readers who may not know you yet, could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your journey from dentistry into aesthetic medicine? 

My name is Dr Bethany Rossington. I am a dentist by background and have now been working full-time in aesthetics for five years.
Originally, I wanted to pursue a career in maxillofacial surgery. When I was a dental student, my mum was attacked by a dog and suffered facial injuries. That experience inspired me to want to work in facial trauma surgery and help patients facing similar situations.
After working in maxillofacial surgery, however, I realised that the lifestyle would be difficult to balance with family life. I returned to general practice while deciding what I wanted to do next and became pregnant with our first son.
During my maternity leave, I began exploring aesthetics because it seemed like a flexible option that I could do alongside dentistry. I initially thought it would simply be an additional service, but the more I practised, the more passionate I became about it. I enjoyed the clinical work, the relationships I built with patients and the opportunity to develop a business. I never returned to clinical dentistry and have now worked exclusively in aesthetics for five years. 

2. Why is now such an exciting time for dentists to consider expanding into medical aesthetics? 

The industry is continuing to grow, and dentists and other healthcare professionals are particularly well positioned to care for aesthetic patients.
As dentists, we are accustomed to understanding a patient’s presenting concerns, listening carefully to what they are asking for, and discussing realistic treatment options. These are highly transferable skills. The public is also becoming increasingly aware of the risks associated with aesthetic treatments and is actively seeking qualified healthcare professionals. Dentistry is therefore viewed favourably within the sector. It is also a rapidly advancing specialty, with new technologies, treatments, journals, conferences and educational opportunities emerging all the time. There is now a much greater emphasis on science and evidence, making it a very exciting field to be part of. 

3. You've built a successful career in both dentistry and aesthetics. What first sparked your interest in facial aesthetics, and what convinced you to pursue it professionally? 

Flexibility was one of the main attractions. In dentistry, I had fixed working hours and needed a nurse or chaperone, which gave me less control over my schedule. 
I wanted to continue caring for patients while also being available for my children. Aesthetics allowed me to work more flexibly and choose how many hours I worked on a particular day.  I also really enjoy the personal side of treatment. I like getting to know my patients, seeing them return and building long-term relationships. Some of my patients have now been with me for five years. I have always been entrepreneurial as well. Even as a child, I enjoyed setting up small stalls and running a coffee stand at my brother’s football matches. Aesthetics allowed me to combine patient care with creativity, business development and brand building. It ticked many boxes for me, although I never expected it to replace dentistry completely. 

4. For a practice owner looking at introducing aesthetics over the next six months, what are the first key decisions they need to make? 

The first step is understanding why you want to introduce aesthetics. It should not be viewed as a quick cash injection. It requires strategy, planning, investment and time. When it is introduced properly, it can be profitable and complement a practice’s existing services. However, practice owners need to understand what their patient demographic actually needs rather than simply following trends or feeling pressured to purchase the latest device. They should also decide how much time and money they are prepared to invest. Training may require evenings or weekends, and the service will take time to establish. I would also recommend finding a mentor, business coach or high-quality training provider before launching. Building a strong professional network is incredibly valuable. Do not simply announce that you are offering aesthetics from tomorrow. Investing in advice and support from the beginning will help you introduce the service properly. 

5. What unique advantages do dentists have when compared to other healthcare professionals entering the aesthetics market? 

Dentists are used to developing long-term relationships with patients. We think carefully about how treatment will last, what the long-term consequences may be, and how one treatment may affect another. We are also accustomed to taking responsibility and maintaining accountability for our patients rather than treating them once and passing them on. Many dentists are business-minded, self-employed and experienced in developing additional services, such as cosmetic dentistry or orthodontics. We are often creative and comfortable building new areas of a practice. There is also the obvious advantage of manual dexterity and attention to detail. We regularly assess form, function, symmetry and appearance, which are highly relevant skills in facial aesthetics. Dentists are also experienced in discussing costs and creating treatment plans that may take place over several appointments. This joined-up, long-term approach gives us a strong foundation for working in aesthetics. 

6. What are some common mistakes practices make when introducing medical aesthetics, and how can people avoid them? 

One of the biggest mistakes is trying to offer too many services too quickly. Practices should first identify what their patients are asking for and where the genuine gaps are. For example, a practice with an older patient base will have different needs from one with predominantly younger patients. Rather than purchasing every available device or introducing numerous treatments, it is better to become highly competent in a small number of core services. Practices should listen to patient feedback and avoid chasing every new product, device or limited time offer without properly considering whether it is right for the business. Another common mistake is underestimating how long it takes to build a patient list. Practices may purchase too much stock before establishing demand, meaning products expire before they can be used. It is also important to calculate the full cost of delivering treatment, including products, needles, disinfectants, marketing materials, indemnity and other consumables. Some practitioners set prices based on local competitors without understanding their own costs, which can lead to them making very little profit or even operating at a loss. 

7. Beyond the clinical side, how important are patient communication, branding, and marketing when launching aesthetic services? 

Communication is everything. It is essential for understanding what patients want, explaining the available treatments and ensuring that they understand the risks, benefits and expected outcomes. Good communication is at the heart of effective consent and is the foundation of a successful aesthetics business. When it comes to marketing and branding, many practices focus on the wrong things. You do not necessarily need a complete rebrand, a huge budget, or highly produced content. Nurturing your existing patient base, listening to their concerns and clearly explaining how your services can help them is far more valuable. Practices will grow more effectively by communicating authentically with their own patients rather than simply copying what another clinic is doing on Instagram. 

8. For practices concerned about regulations, training requirements, or patient safety, what advice would you offer? 

The same principle applies as it does in dentistry: always work within your competence and skill set. Because aesthetics is not yet regulated as comprehensively as dentistry, it can appear that practitioners are able to offer almost anything. However, professional judgement remains essential. You need to recognise when something is beyond your experience and should be referred. It is also important to be honest with patients about your level of experience. Explain when a service is new, arrange appropriate reviews and actively ask for feedback. Patients value transparency, and it helps to manage expectations and protect their safety. Invest in high-quality training and build a strong professional network. Attend events, speak to experienced clinicians and seek reliable guidance rather than relying solely on friends or social media. Practitioners should consult reputable organisations such as the JCCP, BCAM and Save Face, as well as pharmacies, manufacturers and product suppliers. Make sure you fully understand the medicines and products you are using, including whether they are licensed or being used on-label or off-label. Do not simply make things up as you go along. 

9. How do you see the relationship between dentistry and facial aesthetics evolving over the next five years? 

I believe the relationship will continue to grow stronger. Although non-surgical cosmetic treatments were removed from the dental scope of practice because the GDC does not directly regulate that area, dentists can still extend their professional skill set appropriately. Dentists are increasingly recognising that teeth are only one part of the overall picture. We also need to consider the wider facial framework. Aesthetic treatments can complement dentistry in many ways. For example, dermal fillers may help disguise certain skeletal discrepancies or enhance chin projection. Botulinum toxin may support the management of bruxism or gummy smiles. There are many opportunities to combine dentistry and aesthetics to improve cosmetic and functional outcomes. More dentists are recognising how naturally the two services can work together and how well positioned they are to provide both. 

10. Finally, why should delegates make sure your session is on their must-attend list at Dentistry Show London? 

Anyone who is seriously considering introducing aesthetics into their practice needs to be in the room. I do not gatekeep information, and I am completely honest about my own successes and failures. I have invested money and lost it, and I have invested money and made it. I have made mistakes and built a network that has allowed me to learn from other people’s mistakes too. Dentists need transparency rather than being sold the dream of immediately walking into a fully booked aesthetics practice. During the session, I will share practical facts, figures and examples of what has and has not worked. It will be packed with useful information, and I want delegates to take notes and photograph the slides. We will not simply skim the surface. I will provide a clear, step-by-step pathway, including what to do, what to avoid, and where money is commonly wasted. For anyone genuinely interested in introducing aesthetics into their practice, this will be an essential 45 minutes. 

---

Bethany will be speaking at the Dentistry Show London in London this October, where she will deliver a presentation on Six months roadmap: introducing medical aesthetics into your dental practice