Call to End Dental Quackery Gains Momentum in Hyderabad

Key Takeaways:

• AIDSA and AIDSA-Surgeons Wing submit memorandum to Telangana State Dental Council.
• Unqualified practitioners pose serious risks, including infections and misdiagnoses.
• Associations call for stricter enforcement of regulations and public awareness campaigns.
• Appeal made to government, health authorities, and the public to combat dental quackery.

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Call for Stricter Measures Against Dental Quackery

INDIA: Dental students in Telangana have taken a significant step by urging the Telangana State Dental Council in Hyderabad to address the growing issue of dental quackery. On Monday, representatives from the All India Dental Students Association (AIDSA) and its Surgeons Wing submitted a memorandum to the statutory body responsible for regulating the dental profession. The memorandum emphasizes the need for immediate action against unqualified individuals offering dental healthcare services.

The associations argue that unlicensed practitioners not only endanger public health but also undermine the credibility of qualified dental professionals. This move comes amid rising concerns over the prevalence of untrained individuals performing dental procedures without adherence to safety protocols or professional standards.

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Risks Posed by Unqualified Practitioners

Highlighting the dangers posed by unqualified practitioners, Dr. MD Manzur, national president of AIDSA, stated, “Unqualified practitioners pose severe risks to public health and tarnish the credibility of the dental profession.” He further explained that improper sterilization of instruments by quacks can lead to the transmission of life-threatening infections such as Hepatitis B, C, and HIV.

Additionally, the use of substandard materials and incorrect treatments has been linked to severe complications, including oral cancers and permanent damage to patients. AIDSA pointed out that these practitioners often lack the necessary training to diagnose conditions accurately, leading to hazardous procedures that exacerbate existing issues rather than resolving them.

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Demands for Regulatory Enforcement and Awareness

In their memorandum, the associations have called for stronger enforcement of existing regulations by state Dental Council of India (DCI) offices. They are urging authorities to initiate legal proceedings against offenders while simultaneously launching awareness campaigns to educate the public about the risks of consulting unqualified practitioners.

The letter underscores the importance of collaboration between government bodies, health authorities, and the general public in combating this issue. By fostering greater awareness, the associations aim to ensure that patients seek treatment exclusively from registered and qualified dental professionals.

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A Collective Appeal for Professional Integrity

The appeal extends beyond regulatory bodies, targeting the broader community to support the fight against dental quackery. AIDSA and its Surgeons Wing have stressed the critical role of public vigilance in identifying and reporting unlicensed practitioners.

By emphasizing the importance of professional integrity, the associations hope to restore trust in the dental healthcare system. Their efforts reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health while upholding the standards of the dental profession.