National Dental Commission warns dentists against unethical social media advertising
New Delhi: The Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB) of the National Dental Commission (NDC) has issued an advisory cautioning registered dentists against unethical social media promotion and advertising, warning that established violations may attract disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from dental registers.
The advisory, issued by the National Dental Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 14, 2026, applies to all registered dental practitioners across the country. It follows concerns over potentially unethical promotional activities by some dental practitioners and establishments.
The Board highlighted several practices, including recording and broadcasting consultations and dental procedures, publishing patient testimonials and before-and-after photographs, making misleading treatment claims, circulating inaccurate health information, engaging in self-aggrandising publicity and displaying disproportionately large signboards.
In accordance with the applicable statutory provisions and Chapter VI (Unethical Acts), Clauses 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 of the Revised Dentists (Code of Ethics) Regulations, 2014, all registered dental practitioners are advised to strictly adhere to professional ethics governing advertising, patient solicitation, confidentiality, publicity and signage, the advisory stated.
“Any established violation may invite appropriate disciplinary action,” the advisory further stated. Such action may include the issuance of a show-cause notice, suspension or removal from the State and National Register of Dentists, as permissible under applicable law.
The Board has directed dental practitioners to take due note of the advisory and ensure strict compliance with the applicable regulations to protect patient dignity and confidentiality and maintain the integrity of the dental profession.
This advisory shall take effect immediately, subject to the statutory powers of the issuing authority. The advisory places responsibility on registered practitioners nationwide to ensure their promotional activities comply with professional ethical requirements.
