2026 | Vol 2(5) | May
The National Dental Commission Act, 2023
2026CURRENT ISSUE
The National Dental Commission Act, 2023 is a landmark legislation enacted by the Parliament of India to reform the regulation of dental education and the dental profession. The Act (No. 21 of 2023), which came into force on 29 February 2024, seeks to replace the outdated Dentists Act, 1948 and establish a modern, transparent, and accountable framework for dental governance in India.
The long title of the Act clearly states its purpose: to regulate the profession of dentistry, ensure quality and affordable dental education, and provide accessible oral healthcare services across the country.
1. Structure and Scheme of the Act
The Act is systematically divided into eleven chapters, covering all aspects of dental regulation. These include:
Preliminary provisions
Constitution of the National Dental Commission
Dental Advisory Council
National examinations
Autonomous Boards
State Dental Councils
National and State Registers
Recognition of qualifications
Financial provisions and miscellaneous matters
This structured approach ensures comprehensive coverage of both education and professional regulation.
2. Preliminary Provisions (Sections 1–2)
Section 1 provides for the short title, extent, and commencement, stating that the Act extends to the whole of India and comes into force on a date notified by the Central Government.
Section 2 defines key terms such as:
“Dentistry” (including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases)
“Dentist”
“Dental institution”
“Autonomous Board”
“National Register”
These definitions establish the conceptual foundation of the Act and clarify the scope of regulation.
3. Constitution of the National Dental Commission (Sections 3–10)
Section 3 provides for the establishment of the National Dental Commission (NDC) as a body corporate with perpetual succession, having the power to acquire property and enter into contracts.
Composition (Section 4)
The Commission consists of:
A Chairperson
Eight ex-officio members
Twenty-four part-time members
The Chairperson must be a highly qualified dental professional with at least 20 years of experience, including leadership in dental education.
Appointment (Section 5)
A Search-cum-Selection Committee is constituted for transparent appointment of members.
Tenure (Section 6)
Members serve for a fixed term with prescribed conditions of service.
Powers and Functions (Section 10)
The Commission is empowered to:
Regulate dental education and profession
Lay down policies and standards
Ensure quality and accessibility
Promote research and innovation
4. Dental Advisory Council (Sections 11–13)
The Act establishes a Dental Advisory Council to provide representation to States and Union Territories.
Functions
Advise the Commission on policy matters
Facilitate coordination between Central and State Governments
This ensures cooperative federalism in dental governance.
5. National Examinations (Sections 14–15)
National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET)
Section 14 provides for a uniform entrance examination for admission to undergraduate dental courses.
National Exit Test (Dental) – Section 15
The Act introduces a National Exit Test which serves multiple purposes:
Licensing examination for dentists
Basis for admission to postgraduate courses
Screening test for foreign graduates
This ensures uniform standards of competence across the country.
6. Autonomous Boards (Sections 16–26)
The Act creates three Autonomous Boards to ensure specialized and efficient functioning:
(a) Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board
Regulates dental education standards
Develops curriculum and guidelines
(b) Dental Assessment and Rating Board
Conducts inspections of institutions
Grants permission for new colleges or courses
(c) Ethics and Dental Registration Board
Maintains registers
Regulates professional ethics
These Boards function under the supervision of the Commission but operate independently within their domains.
7. Regulation of Dental Institutions (Sections 27–28)
The Act mandates prior permission for:
Establishment of new dental colleges
Introduction of postgraduate courses
Increase in seat capacity
Section 28 lays down criteria for approval or disapproval of such proposals, ensuring quality control in dental education.
8. State Dental Councils (Section 29)
The Act requires each State Government to establish a State Dental Council within one year.
Composition
Includes:
Chairperson
Government representatives
Elected dentists
Nominees from public and private institutions
Functions
Maintain State Registers
Regulate professional conduct
Address grievances
This decentralizes administration and ensures local accountability.
9. National and State Registers (Sections 30–32)
Section 30
Provides for the maintenance of a National Register and State Registers of dentists and dental auxiliaries.
Section 31
Grants the right to practice dentistry only to those enrolled in these registers.
Section 32
Imposes a bar on unregistered practice, ensuring legal compliance.
These provisions enhance transparency and accountability in the profession.
10. Recognition of Dental Qualifications (Sections 33–37)
The Act lays down detailed provisions for:
Recognition of qualifications granted in India
Recognition of foreign qualifications
Withdrawal or de-recognition of qualifications
These measures ensure uniform standards and global comparability.
11. Financial Provisions (Sections 38–40)
The Act provides for:
Grants from the Central Government
Creation of a National Dental Commission Fund
Audit and accounts
This ensures financial accountability and sustainability.
12. Central Government Oversight (Sections 41–43)
The Central Government is empowered to:
Call for reports and returns
Issue directions to the Commission and State Governments
This ensures policy uniformity and effective implementation.
13. Transparency and Institutional Obligations (Sections 44–47)
The Act mandates:
Publication of information by the Commission
Obligations of universities and institutions
Completion of courses by students
These provisions protect student interests and ensure transparency.
14. Public Health and Preventive Care (Section 48)
Section 48 directs State Governments to promote preventive dental care, especially in rural areas.
This highlights the Act’s focus on public health and community dentistry.
15. Miscellaneous Provisions (Sections 49–59)
These include:
Status of officials as public servants
Protection of actions taken in good faith
Power to make rules and regulations
Power to remove difficulties
Repeal of the Dentists Act, 1948
These provisions ensure smooth transition and effective functioning.
16. Significance of the Act
Improve quality and affordability of dental education
Ensure availability of skilled dental professionals
Promote ethical practices
Enhance access to oral healthcare
It represents a shift from a council-based system to a commission-based regulatory model, emphasizing transparency and efficiency.
Conclusion
The National Dental Commission Act, 2023 is a comprehensive and transformative legislation that modernizes the regulation of dentistry in India. By establishing the National Dental Commission, introducing national-level examinations, creating autonomous boards, and ensuring strict standards for education and practice, the Act seeks to align India’s dental sector with global benchmarks.
Its provisions on licensing, registration, recognition of qualifications, and preventive healthcare demonstrate a holistic approach that integrates education, profession, and public health. While effective implementation remains crucial, the Act provides a robust statutory framework for improving dental education, professional ethics, and oral healthcare delivery in India.
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Prashant Kumar, Advocate