The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, a transformative legislation, has been introduced in the Lok Sabha with the primary objective of regulating the dental profession in India. The bill aims to ensure the availability of affordable, high-quality dental education and accessible oral healthcare services across the nation.
Repeal of the Dentists Act, 1948
One of the significant aspects of the National Dental Commission Bill is its intention to repeal the Dentists Act of 1948. The Dentists Act, which has been governing the dental profession for over seven decades, will be replaced by a more comprehensive and modern framework to cater to the evolving needs of the dental sector.
Affordable Dental Education and Accessible Oral Healthcare
The bill addresses the issue of exorbitant dental education fees by focusing on making dental education more affordable for aspiring students. Additionally, it aims to enhance the accessibility of oral healthcare services, particularly in underserved areas, to bridge the oral healthcare gap in the country.
Creation of the National Dental Commission (NDC)
The National Dental Commission (NDC) will be established as the governing body for dental education and the dental profession in India. The NDC will be entrusted with the task of formulating policies and maintaining quality standards for dental education and practice.
Regulation of Fees for Private Dental Colleges
In a move to bring uniformity and control over the fees charged by private dental colleges, the NDC will regulate the fees for 50% of the seats in such institutions. This measure is expected to prevent arbitrary fee structures and make dental education more accessible to a broader section of students.
Composition of the National Dental Commission
The composition of the NDC will be similar to that of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which previously replaced the Medical Council of India. The NDC will have a chairperson, eight ex officio members, and 24 part-time members, all of whom will be appointed by the central government.
- Ex Officio Members: The NDC will comprise eight ex-officio members, including representatives from the National Medical Commission, the Ministry of Health, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, and other relevant authorities. These ex-officio members will bring their expertise and experience to the commission’s decision-making process.
- Part-Time Members: Out of the 24 part-time members of the NDC, 19 will be appointed on a rotational basis from among the nominees of various states and union territories for a period of two years. Additionally, five members will be appointed for four years and will include two dental faculties from any central, state, or autonomous government institutes, and three members with expertise in fields such as management, law, medical ethics, health research, consumer or patient rights advocacy, science and technology, and economics.
Declaration of Assets and Liabilities
The bill mandates that all members of the NDC declare their assets and liabilities at the time of assuming office and also at the time of demitting office. Furthermore, they are required to disclose all professional and commercial engagements they are involved in.
Establishment of Dental Advisory Council
The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, will establish a Dental Advisory Council, a critical body that will provide advice and guidance to the NDC. This council will serve as a platform for states and union territories to present their perspectives on dental education and oral healthcare matters.
Enhancing Equitable Access and Uniform System of Examination
The Dental Advisory Council will play a crucial role in advising the NDC on measures to enhance equitable access to dental education and establish a uniform system of examination. This will ensure that dental education is accessible to all qualified candidates, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location.