India Passes National Dental Commission Bill

INDIA: India takes a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare quality and transforming dental education by passing the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 on August 8. 

The bill aims to revolutionise the field by repealing the Dentists Act, 1948, and establishing the National Dental Commission (NMC) to regulate dental education and the profession, ensuring accessible and affordable oral healthcare. 

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya hails the bill as a pivotal step in creating an online national register of licensed dentists and the formation of an advisory council inclusive of representation from all states and union territories.

Features of the National Dental Commission

The newly passed legislation heralds a series of transformative features:

1. Decentralised Authority and Effective Regulation

The cornerstone of the bill is the creation of the National Dental Commission and the mandate for State Dental Councils or Joint Dental Councils. This structure seeks to decentralise authority, enabling more effective and localised regulation.

2. Empowerment through Autonomous Boards

The Act empowers three distinct Autonomous Boards: the Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Dental Education Board, the Dental Assessment and Rating Board (DARB), and the Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB). These boards are set to play pivotal roles in elevating dental education and ensuring ethical practice.

3. Merit-Based Leadership and Fixed Tenure

Ensuring transparency and accountability, the Act introduces fixed tenures for the Chairperson, Members, and Secretary of the Commission. No reappointment is permitted, further promoting unbiased leadership.

4. Industry Collaboration and Innovation

Acknowledging the importance of research and advancement, the Act encourages collaborations with industry and institutions, fostering a conducive environment for technological innovation in dental research.

5. Online Register and Comprehensive Advisory

The Act mandates the maintenance of an online and live National Register of licensed dentists and dental auxiliaries. Moreover, it establishes a Dental Advisory Council representing all States/Union Territories, enriching decision-making with diverse perspectives.

6. Streamlined Selection Process

Under the Act, the NDC will be overseen by a ‘selected’ Regulator. This entails the appointment of the NDC Chairman and Members through a merit-based selection process conducted by a Search–cum-Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

7. Collaborative Approach

The Act facilitates joint sittings with key statutory bodies, including the National Medical Commission, Pharmacy Council of India, Indian Nursing Council, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine, National Commission for Homeopathy, and National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.

8. Fee Regulation and Institutional Standards

Empowering the Commission to frame fee guidelines for half the seats in private dental colleges and deemed Universities, the Act paves the way for affordable education. Additionally, within a year of the Act’s commencement, all State governments will establish State Dental Councils or Joint Dental Councils.

Advancing Dental Practice

The National Dental Commission is poised to elevate dental education, healthcare quality, and regulation. The Commission will comprise a chairperson, eight ex-official members, and 24 part-time members, all selected by the Union government. Among these, eight ex-official members will include representatives from the National Medical Commission, Union health ministry, and the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

The Commission’s objective is clear: to regulate dental practice, offer accessible and quality dental education, and expand access to high-quality oral healthcare. With the establishment of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Boards and the Dental Assessment and Grading Board, the bill ensures enforcement of standards and quality in dental education.

Furthermore, a Dental Advisory Council will be established by the Union government to provide insights and recommendations, reflecting states’ and Union territories’ voices.

Milestone for Indian Dental Healthcare

The passage of the National Dental Commission Bill is anticipated to usher in a new era in dental education, healthcare, and regulation in India. It promises to align the nation with international standards while making dental education accessible and healthcare more comprehensive.