National Dental Commission Bill, 2023

National Dental Commission Bill 2023

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the National Dental Commission Bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha on 24 July. The National Dental Commission Bill seeks to repeal the Dentists Act, 1948 and proposes to set up a National Dental Commission (NMC) to regulate dental education and profession in the country.

Objective of the National Dental Commission Bill 2023

The new bill aims to "regulate the practice of dentistry in the country, provide high quality, affordable dental education and increase access to high quality oral health care."

The National Dental Commission, which will frame policies and maintain high standards for dental education and profession, will take on 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 regarding publicly disclosing their assets by the chairperson and members and National Exit Test (Dental).
• Additionally, the new commission will regulate the cost of 50% seats in private dental institutes.
• The Bill aims to bring the regulatory structure of the dental education profession at par with international norms.
• The National Dental Commission shall have its headquarters at New Delhi and shall consist of a Chairman, eight ex-officio members and 24 part-time members. The federal government will select them.
• The eight ex-officio members will include representatives from the National Medical Commission (NMC), Ministry of Health and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
• A total of 19 of the 24 part-time members will be elected by rotation from among the nominees of the States and Union Territories for a two-year term.
• The Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board will establish norms for institutions and standards for dental education. The process of evaluation and grading of dental institutions will be decided by the Dental Assessment and Grading Board.
• Additionally, it will examine dental schools and release assessment results and rankings. The Board will also take a decision on de-recognition and withdrawal of recognition of the degree.
• The Dental Advisory Council will be set up by the federal government as per the provisions of the National Dental Commission Bill 2023. The Council will advise the Commission and serve as a forum for the States and Union Territories to express their opinion.