Dr Sameer Maqbool
maqboolsameer@gmail.com
The healthcare system can progress only when every professional working within it is given equal respect, recognition, and opportunities for growth. Unfortunately, one of the most neglected cadres in the health sector remains the dental surgeon community. A dental surgeon joins government service as a “Dental Surgeon” and, in many cases, retires with the same designation after decades of service, dedication, and hard work. This lack of career progression is deeply discouraging and unfair when compared with other cadres in the Health Department.
Dental surgeons are highly trained healthcare professionals who perform surgical procedures daily and remain exposed to blood, saliva, infections, and life-threatening blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Their role extends beyond routine dental treatment. They diagnose oral cancers, manage maxillofacial infections, treat trauma cases, and contribute significantly to preventive healthcare and public health awareness. Despite their qualifications and responsibilities, dental surgeons continue to face professional stagnation. In contrast, many other categories within the health department receive promotions and upgraded designations throughout their careers. Even lower cadres have defined promotional pathways. Medical officers rightly receive opportunities to rise through administrative positions such as Block Medical Officer (BMO), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Deputy CMO, Deputy Director, and Director.
However, dental surgeons remain confined to limited posts, with only one Deputy Director Dentistry post in Kashmir and one in Jammu. Such limited representation does not reflect the actual contribution and strength of the dental fraternity within the healthcare system.
The important question is: Why should dental surgeons be excluded from mainstream administrative positions like BMO, CMO, Deputy CMO, Deputy Director, or Director?
Administrative ability is not confined to one specialty. Dental surgeons have repeatedly proven their leadership and management skills, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many dental surgeons successfully handled administrative duties, surveillance activities, vaccination drives, field coordination, public awareness campaigns, and emergency healthcare management. Their performance demonstrated that they are equally capable of managing health institutions and leading healthcare teams.
Oral health is an inseparable component of general health. A healthcare system that ignores dental professionals in policymaking and administration weakens its own structure. Denying deserving dental surgeons opportunities in administration creates frustration, lowers morale, and discourages young professionals from entering Government dental services.
There is an urgent need for reforms in the service structure of dental surgeons. Dental professionals should be considered eligible for mainstream administrative posts such as BMO, CMO, Deputy CMO, Deputy Director, and Director based on merit, seniority, experience, and administrative capability. Equal opportunities will not only ensure justice for dental surgeons but will also strengthen the healthcare delivery system as a whole.
The time has come to recognize that dental surgeons are not secondary healthcare professionals. They are doctors, surgeons, administrators, and public health contributors who deserve dignity, representation, and equal career growth within the Health Department.
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