Dental Council of India mandates 80 percent biometric attendance for MDS students to appear in exams
New Delhi: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has issued a public circular directing all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for all postgraduate dental students before permitting them to appear in examinations.
The directive, issued on January 19, 2026, follows a review by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI during its meeting held on November 24, 2025. The committee examined multiple complaints received through emails regarding the non-attendance of PG students in dental colleges located in Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
After detailed discussion and deliberation, the Grievance Sub-Committee recommended that all universities and dental institutions must comply with the provisions of Regulation 18(4)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates a minimum of 80% attendance for PG students. The regulation specifically emphasises biometric attendance as a mandatory requirement.
"All the Universities and Dental Colleges be directed to ensure minimum 80% biometric attendance of all PG Students as per regulations 18(a)(i) of DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, before allowing them to appear in their examinations," stated the notice.
The recommendation has been approved by the Executive Committee of the DCI and communicated for immediate implementation. Colleges have been instructed to ensure compliance before allowing PG students to appear in their respective examinations.
The circular has been circulated to all universities and principals/heads of dental colleges across India for necessary action. The DCI has reiterated that adherence to attendance norms is crucial for maintaining academic discipline and ensuring the quality of postgraduate dental education in the country.
To view the circular, click the link below
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the providing clarification regarding the eligibility of dentists to perform aesthetic procedures, the Union Minister of State for Health, Smt Anupriya Patel informed the Rajya Sabha that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) who undergo training under the Dental Council of India's (DCI) MDS Course Regulations, 2017 are permitted to perform aesthetic surgical procedures and selected hair-restoration procedures limited strictly to the cranio-maxillofacial region.
