Karnataka Dentists Performing Aesthetic Procedures May Lose license to practice

Bengaluru: Amid the ongoing legal proceedings before the Bombay High Court over the eligibility of dentists to perform aesthetic procedures, the Karnataka State Dental Council (KSDC) has specified that dentists practising facial aesthetic treatment and hair transplant procedures would be considered "Unethical Practice" and it would render a dentist unfit for the Dental Register.

However, issuing a notice in this regard on 02.01.2025, the President of the state dental council has further clarified that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are exceptions to this rule. This means that dentists other than Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are not allowed to practice facial aesthetic treatment and hair transplant procedures. 

"This is to inform to all the Dental Practitioners to follow the standards of Professional conduct and etiquette i.e. Revised Dentists (Code of Ethics) Regulation 2014. The Karnataka State Dental Council has come to know that some of the Dental Practitioners are not following the Ethical Rules which is mandatory which leads to Unethical Practices such as...to indulge in demeaning solicitation and false promises through advertisements in Social Media Direct Marketing, Being associated with corporate bodies, Displaying unregistered Degree, Dispensing of Drugs, Practicing Facial Aesthetic treatment and Hair Transplant other than Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Conducting Dental Courses/ Worksop/ Training without registering nor obtaining the pia permission from the State Registration Body or any other body as stipulated," mentioned the dental council notice.

Also Read: Dentists not qualified to perform Aesthetic Procedures: Delhi Medical Council

"Therefore, all the Dental Practitioners should follow the Ethical Rules seriously, if not it renders the Dentist unfit to be kept in the Dental Register," the notice added.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the eligibility of dentists to perform aesthetic procedures is currently being adjudicated before the Bombay High Court bench.

Approaching the Bombay High Court, a group of dermatologists challenged the Dental Council of India's 2022 guidelines for the practice of Aesthetic & Hair Transplant procedures for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. DCI had specified back then that these procedures can be undertaken by Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons registered with any State Dental Council in India.

Also Read: How can dentists perform Hair Transplant Surgeries? Dermatologists reach High Court, seek action

However, in its plea, the Dynamic Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Association prayed for directions to the concerned authorities asking them to withdraw the December 6, 2022 guidelines. Further, the association had also sought action against the dental practitioners, who are advertising to perform hair transplant procedures.

Apart from this, the plea also sought a ban on such advertisements by dental practitioners and also urged the Court to set up a committee to monitor the fact that dental practitioners do not perform such surgeries.

Recently, the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India (AOMSI), which advocates for the professional rights of Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons, has filed an intervention application before the High Court bench.

Amid this legal battle, recently while responding to a Right to Information application filed in this regard, the DCI clarified that stood by its earlier "Guidelines for practice of Aesthetic and Hair transplant procedures for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons", issued on 06.12.2022, which mentioned that aesthetic procedures "can be performed by Oral & Maxilofacial surgeons after adequate training as per the curriculum."

Also Read: Can Dentists Perform Aesthetic Procedures? Here's What NMC, DCI Say