Why in the news?
A bill
seeking to repeal the Dentists Act, 1948 and set up a National Dental Commission
(NMC) has been presented in the Lok Sabha.
What is
the intent of the proposed bill?
1. To regulate dental education and the
profession by establishing a National Dental Commission.
2. To make dental education affordable
& quality oral healthcare accessible to general public.
National
Dental Commission:
1. The Commission shall consist of
members appointed by the central Government (on the recommendation of a
Search-cum-Selection Committee) which includes,
a. a chairperson
b. eight ex officio Members, and
c. twenty-four part-time Members
2. The Commission shall meet at least
once every quarter at such time and place as determined by the Chairperson
3. Functions of the Commission shall
include,
a. Formulate policies and regulate
standards for the governance of dental education, examination and training
b. Promote adoption of additional
degrees or diplomas, higher qualifications, certification courses and
development of soft skills for advancement of career of the dentists.
c. Regulate dental institutions, dental
researches, dentists and dental auxiliaries
d. To ensure that all admissions to
undergraduate dental courses in all dental institutions shall be through
National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test conducted as per the National Medical Commission
Act, 2019.
e. To collaborate with industry and institutions
for use of cutting-edge technology and hybrid education to drive innovation and
research in the field of dental education.
f. Assess requirements in dental healthcare, including human
resources for dental health, career progression of dentists and dental
auxiliaries and healthcare
g. Frame guidelines and lay down
policies through necessary regulations for the proper functioning of the
Commission, the Autonomous Boards, the Dental Advisory Council, the State
Dental Councils and the Joint Dental Councils.
h. Promote preventive dental care services;
i. Ensure following professional ethics in dental profession and to promote ethical conduct during the provision of care by dentists
