Aesthetic procedures training by dentist under scanner after Telangana Medical Council inspection
Hyderabad: The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) has initiated action against an organisation after a surprise inspection revealed that it was allegedly conducting unauthorised aesthetic procedures training programmes.
During the inspection conducted by the Council at HairSigns Clinic, Hitec City, on July 7, 2026, by Telangana Medical Council member Dr. Gundagani Srinivas, it was found that the training sessions by "School of Aesthetics" were allegedly being imparted by an unqualified individual possessing a dental qualification. The participants included dentists and MBBS graduates being trained in aesthetic procedures. Dr. Jalagam Vijay, served as an eyewitness during the inspection.
The Council has expressed concern, noting that aesthetic procedures and related training must be conducted only by appropriately qualified and competent professionals in accordance with established medical standards and regulatory norms. Any unauthorised training programmes that compromise patient safety and professional ethics will be viewed seriously.
In a release, the Council said that the findings of the inspection dated July 7 will be placed before the General Body of the Telangana Medical Council for detailed deliberation and appropriate action.
Apart from this, the inspection report will be forwarded to the Dental Council of Telangana for necessary action regarding the involvement of a dental practitioner in conducting such training programmes.
Further, the Council will also initiate steps for registration of an FIR against fake aesthetic institutions conducting unauthorised training programmes to unqualified persons, as such activities pose a significant risk to public health and patient safety.
Previously, the Telangana Medical Council conducted inspections at three skin and hair clinics in Hyderabad's Kondapur area, and found multiple irregularities, including treatments being provided without the involvement of qualified dermatologists. The irregularities reportedly came to light during surprise inspections conducted on June 10 by the council at several skin and hair clinics across the city.
Who can perform aesthetic surgeries?
Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that in the notice dated 20.09.2022, NMC provided clarification regarding the qualification of medical professionals to perform hair transplantation and aesthetic surgeries.
Regarding Hair Transplantation, NMC had stated-
"The hair transplant should preferably be undertaken only by those who have surgical grooming like formal surgical training such as MCh/DNB Plastic surgery, MD/DNB Dermatology with adequate grooming in dermatological surgical procedures. It is also noted that the above-named specialities have Hair transplantation as a core topic in their curriculum."
On Aesthetic Surgeries, the Commission mentioned-
"Aesthetic Procedures should be undertaken only by those RMPs who have adequate training to do these procedures as per their curriculum. So, curriculum of various specialties should be guiding principle for all RMPs while undertaking any procedure including aesthetics & Hair transplant procedures."
In these guidelines, the Apex Medical Commission had said that "Aesthetic Procedures including Hair Transplant as with any other surgical procedure, may have complications and requires skills and training in appropriate patient selection, differential diagnoses and surgical techniques and appropriate post procedure care to optimize outcomes. It is suggested that anyone who wishes to perform these procedures should be adequately knowledgeable and trained and should ensure that they have adequate infrastructure and manpower to manage any issues that may arise due to procedure performed."
Further, NMC had back then clarified that Aesthetic Procedures, including Hair Transplant, are not an Emergency Surgery, and therefore, there is no case for allowing any untrained person to do it under the pretext of "Exceptional Circumstances".
However, in its 06.12.2022 circular, the Dental Council of India (DCI), now the National Dental Commission (NDC), had held that Oral and Maxillofacial surgeons were qualified to perform hair transplant and aesthetic procedures "after adequate training as per the curriculum".
Further, the DCI specified that "Oral & Maxillofacial surgeon should have an aesthetic back up with requisite resuscitate equipment and drugs. Preoperative clearances from a medical specialist as required must be obtained. There should be availability of adequate and well-equipped post-operative recovery room for patient monitoring and adequate record keeping."
Later, challenging the DCI guidelines, a group of dermatologists under the Dynamic Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Association moved the Bombay High Court. Filing a PIL, the association had prayed for a direction from the court to the concerned authorities, asking them to withdraw the December 6, 2022, guidelines. Further, the association had also sought an action against the dental practitioners, who were 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.
Then the Telangana Medical Council wrote to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and it was clarified that qualifications to perform these procedures were explicitly mentioned in the Guidelines on Aesthetic Surgery and Hair Transplant Procedures issued by the Ethics and Medical Education Board (EMRB) of NMC on 20.09.2022.
The medical council referred to the NMC norms and clarified, "The Telangana Medical Council hereby notifies to the General Public that Dentists (BDS)/ Dental Surgeons, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons (MDS) do not have the aforesaid specialities as core topic in their curriculum and as such they lack formal surgical knowledge and training so as to perform the aforesaid procedure."
