Government has constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC) along with three autonomous boards, replacing the Dental Council of India (DCI). This major reform is aimed at improving the quality of dental education and aligning it with global standards.
Background: Reforms
- With the coming into force of the NDC Act from 19th March, 2026, the Dentists Act, 1948 stands repealed, and the DCI is dissolved with effect from the same date.
- Objective of the Reform– The reform seeks to:
- Improve quality of dental education
- Align Indian standards with global benchmarks
- Enhance access to affordable oral healthcare
- Replace the earlier elected regulatory structure with a merit-based system
Structure of the National Dental Commission
The NDC is supported by three autonomous boards, each focusing on a specific regulatory function.
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board: To oversee dental education
- Dental Assessment and Rating Board: To regulate accreditation and institutional assessment
- Ethics and Dental Registration Board: To govern professional conduct and registration of dentists
Key Appointments
National Dental Commission
- Sanjay Tewari – Chairperson
- Mousumi Goswami – Part-Time Member
Key Functions of the National Dental Commission-
- Frame regulations to implement the provisions of the Act
- Conduct rating and assessment of dental institutions
- Evaluate human resources and promote dental research
- Frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges
- Establish standards for community dental care, education, research, and professional ethics