HARMONIZAÇÃO OROFACIAL NA ODONTOLOGIA: LIMITES ÉTICOS E LEGAIS DA ATUAÇÃO DO CIRURGIÃO-DENTISTA

The study aimed to analyze the ethical and legal limits that regulate the performance of dental surgeons in carrying out orofacial harmonization procedures. The adopted methodology was a qualitative and descriptive bibliographic review, conducted through the analysis of scientific articles, legislation, and institutional documents obtained from electronic databases, as well as regulations issued by the Federal Council of Dentistry. Publications in Portuguese and English related to the following topics were included: Orofacial Harmonization, Ethics, Dental Legislation, Dental Surgeon, and Facial Aesthetics. The selection prioritized recent materials without strictly limiting the time frame, in addition to classic and normative texts essential to contextualize the development of the field. The results showed that the practice of Orofacial Harmonization is regulated by specific resolutions of the Federal Council of Dentistry, which define the competencies and responsibilities of the dental surgeon, aiming to ensure safety and quality in procedures. The discussion highlighted the main ethical dilemmas related to professional practice in the aesthetic field, such as the trivialization of procedures, respect for patient autonomy, and the need for informed consent. It is concluded that professional qualification and ethical training are essential for preventing inappropriate practices and for promoting responsible, safe, and ethical conduct. Orofacial harmonization is consolidating itself as a promising area in dentistry, as long as it is practiced in accordance with the legal and ethical precepts that guide the profession.