NEW DELHI, July 8:
A Bill seeking to away with mandatory representation for practising dentists without proper qualification in the Dental Councils at different levels on Monday got Parliament’s nod.
The Dentists (Amendment) Bill 2019 was passed by the Rajya Sabha by voice vote.
With the consent of the Upper House, the Bill, which has already been passed in the Lok Sabha, has got Parliament’s approval.
Replying to a discussion on the Bill in the House, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan assured the members that the Bill already has a provision for the Dental council having representations from all the states.
“There is a representation from all the states and all universities,” the Minister said.
He said that the Government has taken several steps to promote dentistry and oral health.
He called on the members to do their bit in spreading awareness about oral health.
“We must also take part in improving oral health. We must speak against chewing tobacco and teach people on oral health discipline,” he said.
The Bill amends the Dentists Act, 1948. The Act regulates the profession of dentistry and constitutes the Dental Council of India, State Dental Councils and Joint State Dental Councils.
“A register of dentists is maintained under the Act in two parts, Part A and Part B. Persons possessing recognised dental qualifications are registered in Part A and persons not possessing such qualifications are registered in Part B. The persons in Part B are Indian citizens who have been practicing as dentists for at least five years prior to a registration date notified by the state government.
Under the Dentists Act, 1948, composition of the Dental Council of India, State Dental Councils, and Joint State Dental Councils includes representation from dentists registered in Part B. The present Bill seeks to remove the mandatory requirement of the representation of dentists registered in Part B in these Councils. (UNI)
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