National Dental Commission Bill 2023

Context:

Recently, the Lok Sabha passed National Dental Commission bill, 2023.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. National Dental Commission Bill, 2023
2. Key Features of the National Dental Commission

National Dental Commission Bill, 2023:

About: The National Dental Commission Bill is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating and advancing the field of dentistry in India. It focuses on improving dental healthcare practices and services across the country.

Key Features:

Establishment of National Dental Commission (NDC):

• The bill seeks to create the National Dental Commission as the central regulatory body responsible for overseeing the dental profession.

Repeal of Dentists Act, 1948:

• The existing Dentists Act of 1948 will be abolished and replaced by the new National Dental Commission for more effective regulation.

Key Features of the National Dental Commission:

Composition of NDC:

• The National Dental Commission will consist of 33 members, headed by a highly experienced and distinguished dentist as the Chairperson.
• The Chairperson will be appointed by the central government based on the recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
• Ex-officio members of the commission will include Presidents of three autonomous Boards, Director General of Health Services, and the Chief of the Centre for Dental and Educational Research at AIIMS.
• Part-time members will include faculty members from government dental institutes and representatives from states and union territories.

Functions of NDC:

• The NDC will be responsible for regulating various aspects of dental education, institutions, research, and infrastructure.
• It will ensure admissions to dental courses through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Autonomous Boards:

• Under the NDC, three autonomous boards will be established to handle specific areas:
  • Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board: This board will determine education standards, develop curricula, and grant recognition to dental qualifications.
  • Dental Assessment and Rating Board: Responsible for assessing compliance procedures for dental institutions, granting permissions for establishing new institutions, and conducting inspections and ratings.
  • Ethics and Dental Registration Board: This board will maintain national registers of dentists and dental auxiliaries, handle license suspensions/cancellations, and regulate ethical standards and the scope of dental practice.

State Dental Councils:

• State Dental Councils will be established within a year, tasked with maintaining registers of dentists, addressing grievances, and implementing the provisions of the bill.

Entrance Examinations:

• Admission to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery program will be conducted through NEET.
• A National Exit Test (Dental) will be introduced for licensing and postgraduate admissions.
• Clearing the National (Exit) Test will grant a license to practice dentistry, but registration in the state/national register will be required before commencing practice.

Dental Advisory Council:

• The bill proposes the formation of the Dental Advisory Council, which will provide advice to the National Dental Commission on various aspects such as education, training, research, and equitable access to dental education.
• Ex-officio members of the Commission will also serve as ex-officio members of the Dental Advisory Council.

Source: The Hindu