Summary
The new Bill seeks to "regulate the practise of dentistry in the nation, to offer high-quality, reasonably priced dental education, and to increase access to high-quality oral healthcare
The new commission will control the costs for 50% of the seats in private dentistry institutions
The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday.
The National Dental Commission, which will create policies and uphold high standards for dental education and the profession, will take the role of the Dental Council of India under the new bill.
The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 has provisions similar to those in the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act 2019 about the chairman and members disclosing their assets publicly and the National Exit Test (Dental).
Additionally, the new commission will control the costs for 50% of the seats in private dentistry institutions.
The new Bill seeks to "regulate the practise of dentistry in the nation, to offer high-quality, reasonably priced dental education, and to increase access to high-quality oral healthcare."
The goal of the bill is to bring the regulatory structure of the dentistry education profession up to speed with international norms.
The National Dental Commission will have its headquarters in New Delhi and have a chairperson, eight ex officio members, and 24 part-time members. The federal government will choose them.
The eight ex-officio members will include representatives from the National Medical Commission (NMC), the health ministry, and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
A total of 19 of the 24 part-time members will be selected for a two-year term by rotation from among the nominees of the states and union territories.
The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board will establish criteria for institutions and standards for dental education. The process for evaluating and grading dental institutions will be decided by the Dental Assessment and Grading Board.
Additionally, it will examine dentistry schools and release the evaluation results and rankings. The board will also make decisions on degree de-recognition and withdrawal of recognition.
The Dental Advisory Council will be established by the federal government in accordance with the National Dental Commission Bill 2023's provisions. The council will provide advice to the commission and serve as a forum for the states and UTs to express their opinions.
Additionally, it will provide recommendations to the Commission on how to "improve equitable access to dental education and uniform system of examination."
Last updated on 25 Jul 2023
