Short Article

05-09-2023 | 12:01 PM

National Dental Commission Bill, 2023

The National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 has been passed by the Parliament. The bill seeks to repeal the Dentists Act, 1948.

Key Highlights:

• The National Dental Commission Act envisions a complete overhaul of the dental education and profession landscape to bring it on par with international benchmarks.
• The Act establishes the National Dental Commission and mandates the formation of State Dental Councils or Joint Dental Councils. This structure aims to decentralize authority and enhance effective regulation.
• The Act will empower three distinct Autonomous Boards: the Under-Graduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board, the Dental Assessment and Rating Board (DARB), and the Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB). These boards will carry out specific functions, contributing to a comprehensive regulatory framework.
• The Act will introduce a fixed tenure for the Chairperson, Members, and Secretary of the Commission, with no possibility of reappointment.
• The Act will provide for maintaining an online and live National Register of licensed dentists and dental auxiliaries. Furthermore, it establishes a Dental Advisory Council with representation from all States/ Union Territories to ensure comprehensive insights and guidance.
• The Act will facilitate joint sittings with relevant statutory bodies, including the National Medical Commission, Pharmacy Council of India, Indian Nursing Council, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine among others.
• The Act will empower the Commission to frame guidelines for fee determination for fifty percent of seats in private dental colleges and deemed Universities.