NEW DELHI: A dentist’s degree does not automatically qualify them to perform every dental procedure. The National Dental Commission (NDC) has clarified that practitioners must restrict their clinical work to procedures covered by their qualifications and specialised training, bringing the scope of general and specialist dental practice into focus.In an advisory, the commission’s Ethics and Dental Registration Board said it had received queries from registered dentists seeking clarity on the permissible scope of practice. It said the BDS and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) curricula define the competencies and procedures that each category of dentist is trained to perform.The BDS curriculum covers routine procedures such as fillings, simple root canals, uncomplicated extractions, dentures and basic orthodontic treatment. Graduates are also expected to identify complex cases and refer them to specialists. MDS provides advanced training in fields such as oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontology, prosthodontics and endodontics.For instance, BDS graduates are trained in simple orthodontic procedures and routine extractions, while complex corrective jaw surgeries and advanced oral surgeries require specialist expertise.Welcoming the clarification, (Hony.) Brig Anil Kohli, former president of the Dental Council of India and an endodontist, said the NDC should issue a procedure-wise list defining the scope of general and specialist practice.“Routine procedures such as fillings, scaling, simple extractions and basic root canals can be performed by competent BDS graduates, but complex implants, impacted wisdom tooth surgeries, corrective jaw procedures and advanced periodontal treatments must be reserved for trained MDS specialists.
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The dividing line should be clinical competence, not just the degree, with patient safety taking precedence,” he said.Kohli also called for mandatory continuing dental education for licence renewal, backed by clinical audits and action against violations. General dentists with recognised additional training should be allowed to expand their scope of practice, he said.“Dentists must be transparent about their qualifications, expertise and limitations, explain treatment risks and refer patients when necessary. Ensuring appropriate treatment is their responsibility, not the patient’s. Patient interests must always come first,” he saidThe commission has asked state dental councils and tribunals to issue advisories or public notices clarifying the permitted scope of practice and preventing violations.
