Frequently Asked Questions

Tongue and Lip Piercing

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question Who is qualified to do tongue or lip piercing?

Answer People thinking about tongue and lip piercing are urged not to presume that the person performing the piercing procedure has been trained and that the levels of infection control expected in dentistry are practised. Whilst local Government inspectors regulate body and skin piercing premises, there are no regulations restricting the practice of body piercing to licensed operators. The operators are not currently licensed, and there is no guarantee that they know what they are doing. Where people are considering having their tongues pierced, they must ensure that the practitioner providing the piercing is aware of their oral anatomy. In the ADA submission to the Health Act 1958 Review, we have urged the Government to look more closely at regulation of those undertaking tongue and lip piercing activities, as well as requiring registration of premises at which these activities are carried out.

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What is the ADA's position on tongue and lip piercing?
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Who is qualified to do tongue or lip piercing?