India Launches National Dental Commission to Reform Dental Education
In a ground-breaking move to elevate dental education and improve oral healthcare across the nation, the Government of India has established the National Dental Commission (NDC) along with three autonomous boards, effectively replacing the former Dental Council of India (DCI). This reform, announced on March 19, 2026, aims to create a regulatory framework that prioritizes transparency, quality, and accountability in dental education.
The formation of the NDC signals a significant transformation in the approach to dental education. The new framework introduces crucial reforms that have long been overdue, making it easier for citizens to access affordable dental care throughout the country.
Leadership and Structure
A team of esteemed professionals has been appointed to head the Commission and its boards. To assist in its functions, three autonomous bodies have been established:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board – responsible for overseeing all aspects of dental education.
- Dental Assessment and Rating Board – tasked with regulating accreditation and assessing dental institutions.
- Ethics and Dental Registration Board – governing the professional conduct and registration processes for dentists.
The key appointments in the National Dental Commission include:
- National Dental Commission
- Dr. Sanjay Tewari – Chairperson
- Dr. Mousumi Goswami – Part-Time Member
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board
- Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram – President
- Dr. Shailesh Madhav Lele – Whole Time Member
- Dr. Nagaraj M. – Part Time Member
- Dental Assessment and Rating Board
- Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo – President
- Dr. Himanshu Aeran – Whole Time Member
- Dr. Parimala Tyagi – Part Time Member
- Ethics and Dental Registration Board
- Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Tapas Kumar Bandyopadhyay – Whole Time Member
- Dr. Usha Hegde – Whole Time Member
- Dr. Swarga Jyoti Das – Part Time Member
Shri Arindam Modak has been appointed as the Secretary to the NDC, heading the Secretariat.
Key Functions of the NDC
The National Dental Commission is set to play a pivotal role in various areas, including:
- Formulating regulations that adhere to the provisions of the Act.
- Conducting assessments and ratings of dental institutions.
- Evaluating human resources to advance dental research.
- Setting guidelines for fee regulations in private dental colleges.
- Establishing standards for community dental care, education, research, and professional ethics.
With the implementation of the NDC Act on March 19, 2026, the Dentists Act of 1948 has been repealed, and the Dental Council of India has been dissolved, marking a new chapter in dental education and healthcare in India.
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