27,868 BDS, 6,823 MDS seats across 318 dental colleges: Health Ministry data

New Delhi: There are about 27,868 BDS seats and 6,823 MDS seats, across 318 dental colleges in India, the recent data revealed by the Union Health Ministry has shown.

The health ministry has recently provided this update on the year-end " INITIATIVES & ACHIEVEMENTS-2022" data released by the ministry

At present, there are 318 dental colleges in the country, out of which 51 are in the Government Sector and 267 in private sector with annual admission capacity of about 27,868 BDS seats and 6,823 MDS seats

Under EWS scheme promulgated under 103rd constitutional amendment, 2019, the DCI has recommended 468 additional seats at UG level at 31 Govt. Dental Colleges and 47 PG Seats at 16 Govt. Dental Colleges for the academic session 2022-23.

Also Read:Four-Member Committee to review if reservation required for PG medical & dental seats in Goa

The document also informed about the various Reforms in Dental Education, includingThe Draft National Dental Commission Bill

"The Government has initiated a series of reforms in the sector of medical education over the last six years. As part of these reforms and in order to revamp the Dental Education System in the country to bring it at par with global standards, a draft National Dental Commission Bill (the Bill), to replace the existing Dentists Act, 1948, has been prepared and was placed in public domain on 28.01.2020 for inviting comments of State Governments, general public and other stakeholders," the ministry said

The 2372 suggestions/comments received from various stakeholders have been examined by a Committee of Dental Experts under the Chairpersonship of Chief of the Centre for Dental Education & Research, AIIMS, New Delhi. The suggestions of the committee have been duly considered and incorporated appropriately in the Bill.

The Bill provides for the constitution of a National Dental Commission (the Commission), four Autonomous Boards, a Dental Advisory Council and State Dental Councils. The Commission shall be a corporate body. The Bill further provides for the constitution of four Autonomous Boards namely Undergraduate Dental Education Board (UGDEB), the Postgraduate Dental Education Board (PGDEB), the Dental Assessment and Rating Board (DARB) and the Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB) – to regulate the education, examination, training and services of dental professionals and dental auxiliaries like dental hygienists, dental technicians and dental operating room assistants.

A provision for National Dental Advisory Council has also been kept in the Bill to have representation of States/UTs at National level. The Bill also provides for creation and maintenance of digital and live National and State Registers of all licensed dental professionals and dental auxiliaries.

As per the Bill, the Commission shall lay down policies for maintaining high standards in dental education, and shall also exercise appellate jurisdiction with respect to the decisions of the Autonomous Boards. The Commission shall frame guidelines and conduct a uniform entrance test at undergraduate level i.e. National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, a uniform exit test i.e. National Exit Test (Dental), common counselling for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate dental courses etc.

The Bill empowers the Central Government to give directions to the Commission and the Autonomous Boards on questions of policy and also to the State Governments for carrying out all or any of the provisions of this Act.

The draft Bill is still under consideration,the ministry said 

Also Read:National Dental Commission Bill, 2022 listed for introduction in upcoming Session of Parliament