Can dentists perform aesthetic procedures? Telangana Medical Council inspection revives scope of practice questions
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Hyderabad: A recent inspection by the Telangana Medical Council has brought renewed attention to the scope of practice in the rapidly expanding aesthetic medicine sector, after officials reportedly found that certain skin and aesthetic procedures at a clinic were being performed by dentists.
During surprise inspections conducted by the council on June 10 at multiple skin and hair clinics in Hyderabad's Kondapur area, inspectors identified several alleged irregularities across the establishments visited, including concerns related to professional qualifications and regulatory compliance.
At ORA Aesthetics, the inspection team reportedly found that some skin and aesthetic procedures were being carried out by dentists.
Who can perform aesthetic surgeries?
Medical Dialogues has been extensively reporting on clarifications issued by state medical councils, as well as the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the erstwhile Dental Council of India, now National Dental Commission (NDC), on whether such aesthetic procedures fall within the professional scope permitted under existing regulations governing dental practitioners.
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.
Against the backdrop of differing positions taken by the NMC and the Dental Council of India, the Telangana Medical Council wrote to the National Medical Commission (NMC). Accordingly, NMC on 13.06.2025 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."
Violations detected during inspection:
Medical Dialogues recently reported that 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.
According to the news reports, the irregularities came to light during surprise inspections conducted on June 10 by the council at several skin and hair clinics across the city.
During the inspection of Traya Hair Loss Solutions, officials reportedly found that it was providing treatment for hair loss through online consultations without proper clinical registration and without the presence of qualified dermatologists.
Besides, Neoskin Clinic was allegedly offering skin and hair treatments without the presence of a qualified dermatologist and without necessary approvals from the concerned authorities, as per the council and at ORA Aesthetics, inspectors found that some skin and hair-related aesthetic procedures were being performed by dentists.
“Based on the findings, we will initiate action against the institutions under Sections 34 and 54 of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, and other applicable laws. Disciplinary action can also be taken against registered doctors found supporting unauthorised or unethical medical activities, including suspension of medical licences if necessary,” said Dr A Sunny Davis, chairman of the Legal and Anti-Quackery Committee, as quoted by The Times of India.
It further warned that registered medical practitioners found to be associated with or facilitating unauthorised medical practice could face disciplinary action under Medical Ethics Regulations, including possible suspension of their licence after due inquiry.
The council said it would recommend that the Hyderabad district collector and district medical and health officer take legal action against establishments engaged in unauthorised medical practices to protect public health and patient safety.
