National Dental Commission Bill, 2023

National Dental Commission Bill, 2023

 

• The Bill seeks to repeal the Dentists Act, of 1948.
• The bill also aims to make dental education affordable and make quality oral healthcare accessible.
• It seeks to replace the Dental Council of India with the National Dental Commission (NDC).
• National Dental Commission (NDC):
  • It will draft policies and maintain quality standards in dental education and the profession.
  • The new commission will also regulate fees for 50% seats in private dental colleges.
  • Composition:
    • The composition of the NDC will be similar to that of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which had replaced the Medical Council of India.
    • The head office of the National Dental Commission shall be at New Delhi and it will consist of a chairperson; eight ex officio members; and 24 part-time members. 
    • They will be appointed by the central government.
    • Members of NMC, health ministry, AIIMS, New Delhi will be among the eight ex-officio members.
    • Out of 24 part-time members, a total of 19 members will be appointed on rotational basis from amongst the nominees of the states and union territories for two years.
    • Other five members who will be appointed for four years will include two dental faculties from any central or state or autonomous government institutes; three members who have special knowledge and professional experience in areas including management, law, medical ethics, health research, consumer or patient rights advocacy, science and technology and economics.
• According to Bill, the commission’s members will declare their assets and liabilities at the time of entering and demitting office and also declare all professional and commercial engagements.
• Dental Advisory Council:
  • Under the provisions of the bill, the central government will constitute an advisory body – the Dental Advisory Council. 
  • The council will advise the commission and will also be the platform through which states and UTs will put forth their views.
  • It will also advise the Commission on measures to “enhance equitable access to dental education and uniform system of examination.”
• The Bill will make provision for a exit test for dentists on the lines of the National Exit Test that is likely to be implemented for those completing MBBS.

 

---

Q1) What is the Dental Council of India?

The Dental Council of India (DCI) is a statutory body established under the Dentists Act, 1948. It is responsible for regulating the dental profession in India. The DCI is headquartered in New Delhi.

Source: Govt introduces National Dental Commission Bill in Lok Sabha