Government Constitutes National Dental Commission to Transform Dental Education and Strengthen Healthcare Quality

**Executive Summary** Effective 19 March 2026, the Government of India has established the National Dental Commission (NDC) to replace the Dental Council of India (DCI), repealing the Dentists Act, 1948. This reform aims to align dental education with global standards and enhance the quality of oral healthcare through a transparent, three-board regulatory framework. Key appointments have been finalized to lead the Commission and its autonomous bodies, with the new framework coming into force immediately. **Key Points / Main Content** **Structural Reforms** * **Dissolution of DCI:** The Dental Council of India is dissolved and the Dentists Act, 1948 is repealed. * **Establishment of Autonomous Boards:** Three specialized boards have been created to support the NDC: * **Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board:** Oversees dental education standards. * **Dental Assessment and Rating Board:** Manages institutional accreditation and assessments. * **Ethics and Dental Registration Board:** Regulates professional conduct and the registration of dentists. **Governance and Appointments** * **NDC Leadership:** Dr. Sanjay Tewari is appointed as Chairperson; Shri Arindam Modak will serve as Secretary. * **Board Leadership:** Each autonomous board is led by a President and supported by whole-time and part-time members. * **Regulatory Shift:** The system moves from an elected structure to a transparency-driven, appointed professional framework. **Core Functions of the NDC** * **Regulation and Implementation:** Framing regulations to implement the provisions of the NDC Act. * **Institutional Oversight:** Conducting ratings and assessments of dental institutions. * **Financial Guidelines:** Framing guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges. * **Research and Standards:** Evaluating human resources, promoting dental research, and establishing standards for community care and professional ethics. **Impact Analysis** **Dental Council of India (DCI)** **Impact** The body is dissolved and its previous regulatory authority is terminated. **Action Required** Cease all operations as the former regulatory body and transfer functions to the NDC. **Dental Educational Institutions (Private and Public)** **Impact** Institutions are now subject to new assessment and rating protocols. Private colleges will specifically face new fee regulation guidelines framed by the NDC. **Action Required** Align institutional operations with NDC standards and prepare for upcoming assessments and fee guidelines. **Dental Professionals and Students** **Impact** Professionals are subject to new standards of conduct and registration under the Ethics and Dental Registration Board. Students will see changes in education oversight aimed at global alignment. **Action Required** Dentists must comply with the new registration and professional ethics standards established by the Ethics and Dental Registration Board. **National Dental Commission (NDC) Appointees** **Impact** The appointed chairpersons and members are now responsible for the transition from the old Act to the new framework. **Action Required** Begin framing necessary regulations, fee guidelines, and educational standards as mandated by the NDC Act.

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