LI Network
Published on: 30 July 2023 at 22:36 IST
The Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India, successfully passed the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, which had been introduced on July 24.
The primary objective of this bill is to bring about regulation in the field of dentistry and ensure the provision of high-quality and affordable dental education.
The bill encompasses several key provisions, some of which include the repeal of the Dentists Act, 1948, along with the dissolution of the Dental Council of India.
In its place, the bill proposes the establishment of the National Dental Commission, which will be responsible for the development and regulation of all aspects pertaining to dental education, the dental profession, and dental institutions.
To aid the commission in its endeavors, a Dental Advisory Council will be constituted to provide advice and recommendations.
The proposed bill also aims to set up three Autonomous Boards. Firstly, the Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Dental Education Board will be responsible for regulating dental education at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ensuring adherence to established standards.
Secondly, the Dental Assessment and Rating Board will conduct inspections, assess and rate dental institutions, and grant permissions for the establishment of new dental colleges and the commencement of postgraduate courses.
Lastly, the Ethics and Dental Registration Board will regulate professional conduct, promote dental ethics among dentists and professionals, and maintain digital National Registers of all licensed dentists and dental auxiliaries.
In addition, the bill calls for the implementation of a uniform National Exit Test (Dental) that will serve as a prerequisite for obtaining a dental license, enrolling in the State Register or the National Register, and gaining admission to postgraduate dental courses.
Furthermore, the bill addresses the recognition of dental qualifications issued by both Indian and foreign universities and dental institutions. It also deals with the recognition of dental qualifications granted by statutory and other bodies within India, as specified in the Schedule of the Bill.
