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Explained: What Is National Dental Commission Bill And How It Will Elevate Dental Education, Healthcare Standards In India
The National Dental Commission Bill aims to replace the Dentists Act, 1948, by establishing the National Dental Commission (NMC) to regulate dental education and the dental profession. The objective is to make dental education more affordable and improve access to quality oral healthcare.
In a significant move towards improving healthcare quality and aligning dental education with global standards, the Indian Parliament has passed the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023 on August 8. This bill seeks to repeal the Dentists Act, 1948, and proposes the establishment of the National Dental Commission (NMC) to regulate dental education and the dental profession. Its main goals are to ensure affordable dental education and accessible quality oral healthcare.
According to Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the bill includes provisions for an online and live national register of licensed dentists and the formation of an advisory council with representation from all states and union territories.
Key features of the National Dental Commission:
1. Constitution of National Dental Commission and State Dental Councils: The Act mandates the establishment of the National Dental Commission and State Dental Councils or Joint Dental Councils to decentralize authority and improve regulation.
2. Three Autonomous Boards: The Act empowers three Autonomous Boards: the Under-Graduate and Post-Graduate Dental Education Board, the Dental Assessment and Rating Board (DARB), and the Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB). These boards will contribute to the enhancement of dental education and professional standards.
3. Fixed Tenure and Professional Development: The Act introduces a fixed tenure for the Chairperson, Members, and Secretary of the Commission, with no possibility of reappointment. This ensures stability and promotes professional development.
4. Industry Collaboration and Technological Innovation: Recognizing the importance of collaboration and research, the Act encourages partnerships with industry and institutions to promote advancements in dental research.
5. Online National Register and Dental Advisory Council: The Act provides for maintaining an online and live National Register of licensed dentists and dental auxiliaries. It also establishes a Dental Advisory Council with representation from all States/Union Territories to ensure comprehensive insights and guidance.
6. Merit-Based Selection Process: The Act ensures a merit-based selection process for the NDC leadership. The Chairman and Members of the NDC will be appointed through a selection process conducted by a Search-cum-Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
7. Collaborative Approaches: The Act facilitates 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, National Commission for Homeopathy, and National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions.
8. Fee Regulation and Constitutions: The Act empowers the Commission to establish fee guidelines for fifty percent of seats in private dental colleges and deemed universities. Additionally, within a year of the Act’s commencement, all State governments will establish State Dental Councils or Joint Dental Councils.
How will the National Dental Commission work?
The bill proposes the establishment of the National Dental Commission to regulate dentistry in the country, provide affordable and high-quality dental education, and improve access to quality oral healthcare. The Commission will consist of a chairperson, eight ex-officio members, and 24 part-time members, selected by the Union government. The commission will control fees for half the seats in private dental colleges and establish boards to enforce quality standards in dental education. The Dental Advisory Council will provide advice and recommendations to the commission.
Source: India Today