The Dentists Act, 1948
# THE DENTISTS ACT, 1948

____________

# ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

___________

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

SECTIONS

1. Short title and extent.
2. Interpretation.
2A. Construction of references to laws not in force in Jammu and Kashmir.

CHAPTER II

DENTAL COUNCIL OF INDIA

3. Constitution and composition of council.
4. Incorporation of Council.
5. Mode of election.
6. Term of office and casual vacancies.
7. President and Vice-President of Council.
8. Staff remuneration and allowances.
9. The Executive Committee.
10. Recognition of dental qualifications.
10A. Permission for establishment of new dental college, new courses of study, etc.
10B. Non-recognition of dental qualifications in certain cases.
10C. Time for seeking permission for certain existing authorities.
11. Qualifications of dental hygienists.
12. Qualifications of dental mechanics.
13. Effect of recognition.
14. Power to require information as to courses of study and training and examinations.
15. Inspection.
15A. Appointment of Visitors.
16. Withdrawal of recognition.
16A.Withdrawal of recognition of recognised dental qualification.
17. Mode of declarations.
17A. Professional conduct.
18. The Indian Register.
19. Information to be furnished.
20. Power to make regulations.

CHAPTER III

STATE DENTAL COUNCILS

21. Constitution and Composition of State Councils.
22. Inter-State agreements.

1


-----

SECTIONS

23. Composition of Joint State Councils.
24. Incorporation of State Councils.
25. President and Vice-President of State Council.
26. Mode of elections.
27. Term of office and casual vacancies.
28. Staff, remuneration and allowances.
29. Executive Committee.
30. Information to be furnished.

CHAPTER IV

REGISTRATION

31. Preparation and maintenance of register.
32. First preparation of register.
33. Qualifications for entry on first preparation of register.
34. Qualification for subsequent registration.
35. Scrutiny of applications for registration.
35A. Special provision for amending the register of dentists.
36. Registers of dental hygienists and dental mechanics.
37. Qualification for registration as a dental hygienist.
38. Qualification for registration as a dental mechanic.
39. Renewal fees.
40. Entry of additional qualifications.
41. Removal from register.
42. Restoration to register.
43. Bar of jurisdiction.
44. Issue of duplicate certificates.
45. Printing of registers.
46. Effect of registration.
46A.Transfer of registration.

CHAPTER V

MISCELLANEOUS

47. Penalty for falsely claiming to be registered.
48. Misuse of titles.
49. Practice by unregistered persons.
50. Failure to surrender certificate of registration.
51. Companies not to engage in dentistry.
52. Cognizance of offences.
53. Payment of part of fees to Council.
53A. Accounts and audit.
54. Appointment of Commission of Enquiry.
55. Power to make rules.

THE SCHEDULE

2


-----

# THE DENTISTS ACT, 1948
 ACT NO. 16 OF 1948[1]

 An Act to regulate the profession of dentistry.



[29th _March, 1948.]_


WHEREAS it is expedient to make provision for the regulation of the profession of dentistry and for

that purpose to constitute Dental Councils:

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

**1. Short title and extent.—(1) This Act may be called the Dentists Act, 1948.**

(2) It extends to [2][the whole of India [3]***.]

**2. Interpretation.—In this Act, Unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,—**

(a) “the Council” means the Dental Council of India constituted under section 3;

(b) “dental hygienist” means a person not being a dentist or a medical practitioner, who scales,

cleans or polishes teeth, or gives instruction in dental hygiene;

(c) “dental mechanic” means a person who makes or repairs denture and dental appliances;

(d) “dentistry” includes—

(i) the performance of any operation on, and the treatment on any disease, deficiency or

lesion of, human teeth or jaws, and the performance of radiographic work in connection with
human teeth or jaws or the oral cavity;

(ii) the giving of any anaesthetic in connection with any such operation or treatment;

(iii) the mechanical construction or the renewal of artificial dentures or restorative dental

appliances;

(iv) the performance of any operation on, or the giving of any treatment, advice or attendance

to, any person preparatory to, or for the purpose of, or in connection with, the fitting, inserting,
fixing, constructing, repairing or renewing of artificial dentures or restorative dental appliances,
and the performance of any such operation and the giving of any such treatment, advice or
attendance, as is usually performed or given by dentists;

(e) “dentist” means a person who practises dentistry;

(f) “medical practitioner” means a person who holds a qualification granted by an authority

specified or notified under section 3 of the Indian Medical Degrees Act, 1916 (7 of 1916), or
specified in the Schedules to the [4][Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 (102 of 1956),] [5][or specified in
any other law for the time being in force in any State,] or who practises any system of medicine and is
registered or is entitled to be registered in any [6][State] medical register by whatever name called;

(g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules or regulations made under this Act;

1. The Act has been amended in:—

West Bengal by West Bengal Act 26 of 1959, Madras by Madras A.O. 1961 and Orissa by Orissa Act 20 of 1972.
The Act has been extended to:—
Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Regulation 6 of 1963, s. 2 and the First Schedule., Goa, Daman and Diu by Regulation 11 of 1963,
s. 3 and the Schedule and comes into force in Pondicherry with modification by Regulation 7 of 1963, s. 3 and the First
Schedule. (w.e.f. 1-10-1963).

2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “all the Provinces of India”.
3. The words “except the State of Jammu and Kashmir” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 2 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
4. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for “Indian Medical Council Act, 1933 (27 of 1933)” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
5. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 3.
6. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.

3


-----

(h) “[1][State] Council” means a [1][State] Dental Council constituted under section 21, and includes

a Joint [1][State] Council constituted in accordance with an agreement under section 22;

(i) “register” means a register maintained under this Act;

2[(j) “recognised dental qualification” means any of the qualifications included in the Schedule;]

(k) “recognised dental hygiene qualification” means a qualification recognised by the Council

under section 11;

(l) “registered dentist”, “registered dental hygienist” and “registered dental mechanic” shall mean,

respectively, a person whose name is for the time being registered in a register of dentists, a register
of dental hygienists and a register of dental mechanics.

3*     -     -     -     
**2A. [Construction of references to laws not in force in Jammu and Kashmir.] Omitted by the Jammu**

_and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020,_ _vide Notification No. S.O._
1123(E) _dated (18-3-2020) and_ _vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central_
_Laws) Order, 2020, Notification No. S.O. 3774(E), dated (23-10-2020)]._

CHAPTER II

DENTAL COUNCIL OF INDIA

**3. Constitution and composition of council.—The Central Government shall, as soon as may be,**

constitute a Council consisting of the following members, namely:—

(a) one registered dentist possessing a recognised dental qualification elected by the dentists

registered in Part A of each [1][State] register;

(b) one member elected from amongst themselves by the members of the Medical Council of

India;

4[5[(c) not more than four members elected from among themselves, by—

(a) Principals, Deans, Directors and Vice-Principals of dental colleges in the States training

students for recognised dental qualifications:

Provided that not more than one member shall be elected from the same dental college;

(b) Heads of dental wings of medical colleges in the States training students for recognised

dental qualifications;]

(d) one member from each University established by law in the States which grants a recognised

dental qualification, to be elected by the members of the Senate of the University, or in case the
University has no Senate, by the members of the court, from amongst the members of the Dental
Faculty of the University or in case the University has no Dental Faculty, from amongst the members
of the Medical Faculty thereof;

(e) one member to represent [6][each State [7]***] nominated by the Government of each such State

from among persons registered either in a medical register or a dental register of the State;]

8[Explanation.—In this clause, “State” does not include a Union territory;]

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 3, for clause (j) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
3. Omitted by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 4, for clauses (c), (d) and (e).
5. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, for clause (c) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
6. Subs. by the A.O. (No. 3), 1956, for “each Part A State and Part B State other than the State of Jammu and Kashmir”.
7. Omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 5 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
8. Added by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
*. Vide Notification No. S.O. 3912 (E), dated 30th October, 2019, this Act is made applicable to the Union territory of Jammu
and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh.

4


-----

(f) six members nominated by the Central Government, of whom at least one shall be a registered

dentist possessing a recognised dental qualification and practising or holding an appointment in an
institution for the training of dentists in a [1][Union territory] [2]***;

3[(g) the Director General of Health Services, ex officio;]

Provided that pending the preparation of registers the [4][State] Governments may nominate to the

first Council members referred to in parts (a) and (e) and the Central Government members referred
to in part (f) out of persons who are eligible for registration in the respective registers and such
persons shall hold office for such period as the [4][State] or Central Government may, by notification in
the Official Gazette, specify.

**4. Incorporation of Council.—The Council shall be a body corporate by the name of the Dental**

Council of India, having perpetual succession and a common seal, with power to acquire and hold
property, both movable and immovable, and shall by the said name sue and be sued.

**5. Mode of elections.—Elections under this Chapter shall be conducted in the prescribed manner, and**

where any dispute arises regarding any such election, it shall be referred to the Central Government
whose decision shall be final.

**6. Term of office and casual vacancies.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section an elected or**

nominated member shall hold office for a term of five years from the date of his election or nomination or
until his successor has been duly elected or nominated, whichever is longer:

5[Provided that a member nominated under clause (e) or clause (f) section 3, shall hold office during

the pleasure of the authority nominating him.]

(2) An elected or nominated member may at any time resign his membership by writing under his

hand addressed to the President and the seat of such member shall thereupon become vacant.

(3) An elected or nominated member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat if he is absent without

excuse, sufficient in the opinion of the Council, from three consecutive ordinary meetings of the Council
or, in the case of a member whose name is required to be included in a [4][State] register, if his name is
removed from such register, or if he has been elected under clause (c) of section 3 [6][if he ceases to hold
his appointment as the [7][Principal, Dean, Director or Vice-Principal] of a dental college, or as [8][the Head
of the dental wing] of a medical college, or if he has been elected under clause (b) or (d) of section 3, if he
ceases to be a member of the Medical Council of India or [9][the Dental or Medical Faculty] of the
University, as the case may be.

(4) A casual vacancy in the Council shall be filled by fresh election or nomination, as the case may

be, and the person elected or nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of the
term for which the member whose place he takes was elected or nominated.

(5) Members of the Council shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination.

(6) No act done by the Council shall be called in question on the ground merely of the existence of

any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the Council.

**7. President and Vice-President of Council.—(1) The President and Vice-President of the Council**

shall be elected by the members thereof from among themselves:

1. Subs. by the A.O. (No. 3), 1956, for “Part C State”.
2. The words and letter “and at least two shall be dentists registered in Part B of a State register” omitted by Act 13 of 2019, s. 2
(w.e.f. 30-7-2019).
3. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 4.
4. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
5. Added by Act 42 of 1972, s. 6 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
6. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 5, for “if he ceases to hold his appointment as head of a college”.
7. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 6, for “Principal or Vice-Principal” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
8. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 6, for “a Professor of dental surgery” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
9. Subs. by s. 5, ibid., for “the Medical Faculty”.

5


-----

Provided that on the first constitution of the Council and until the President is elected, a member of

the Council nominated by the Central Government in this behalf shall discharge the functions of the
President:

Provided further that for five years from the first constitution of the Council, the President shall, if the

Central Government so decides, be a person nominated by the Central Government, who shall hold office
during the pleasure of the Central Government, and where he is not already a member, shall be a member
of the Council in addition to the members referred to in section 3.

(2) An elected President or Vice-President shall hold office as such for a term not exceeding five

years and not extending beyond the expiry of his term as member of the Council, but subject to his being
a member of the Council, he shall be eligible for re-election.

**8. Staff remuneration and allowances.—(1) The Council shall—**

(a) appoint a Secretary who may also, if so decided by the Council, act as Treasurer;

(b) appoint such other officers and servants as the Council deems necessary to enable it to carry

out its functions under this Act;

(c) require and take from the Secretary or from any other officer or servant such security for the

due performance of his duties as the Council considers necessary; and

(d) with the previous sanction of the Central Government, fix the fees and allowances of the

President, Vice-President and other members of the Council, and the pay and allowances and other
conditions of service of officers and servants of the Council.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1), for the first four years from

the first constitution of the Council, the Secretary of the Council shall be a person appointed by the
Central Government, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the Central Government.

**9.The Executive Committee.—(1) The Council shall constitute from among its members an**

Executive Committee, and may so constitute other Committees for such general or special purposes as the
Council considers necessary for carrying out its functions under this Act.

(2) The Executive Committee shall consist of the President and Vice-President _ex officio_ [1][and the

Director-General of Health Services ex officio] and five other members elected by the Council.

(3) The President and Vice-President of the Council shall be Chairman and Vice-Chairman,

respectively, of the Executive Committee.

(4) A member of the Executive Committee shall hold office as such until the expiry of his term of

office as member of the Council but, subject to his being a member of the Council, he shall be eligible for
re-election.

(5) In addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed on it by this Act, the Executive

Committee shall exercise and discharge such powers and duties as may be prescribed.

**2[10. Recognition of dental qualifications.—(1) The dental qualifications, granted by any authority**

or institution in India, which are included in Part I of the Schedule shall be recognised dental
qualifications for the purposes of this Act.

(2) Any authority or institution in India which grants a dental qualification not included in Part I of

the Schedule may apply to the Central Government to have such qualification recognised and included in
that Part, and the Central Government, after consulting the Council, and after such inquiry, if any, as it
may think fit for the purpose, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Part I of the Schedule so
as to include such qualification therein, and any such notification may also direct that, an entry shall be
made in Part I of Schedule against such dental qualification declaring that it shall be a recognised dental
qualification only when granted after a specified date.

1. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 7 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
2. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for section 10 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

6


-----

(3) (a) The dental qualifications, granted by any authority or institution outside India, which are

included in Part II of the Schedule shall be recognised dental qualifications only for the purposes of the
registration of citizens of India when the register is first prepared under this Act.

(b) Where any dental qualification granted by any authority or institution outside India, and held by a

citizen of India, is recognised for the purposes of the register when it is first prepared, after the
commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972), the Central Government may, after
consultation with the Council, by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Part II of the Schedule so as
to include therein the dental qualification so recognised.

(4) (a) The dental qualifications granted by any authority or institution outside India, which are

included in Part III of the Schedule, shall be recognised dental qualifications for the purposes of this Act,
but no person possessing any such qualification shall be entitled for registration unless he is a citizen of
India.

(b) Where any dental qualification granted by any authority or institution outside India, and held by a

citizen of India, is recognised, except on reciprocal basis, after the commencement of the Dentists
(Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972), the Central Government may, after consultation with the Council,
by notification in the Official Gazette, amend Part III of the Schedule so as to include therein the dental
qualification recognised.

(5) The Council may enter into negotiations with any authority or institution in any State or country

outside India which, by law of any such State or country, is entrusted with the maintenance of a register
of dentists, for the settling of a scheme of reciprocity for the recognition of dental qualifications and in
pursuance of any such scheme, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,
declare that any such qualification granted by any authority or institution in any such State or country, or
such qualification, only when granted after a specified date, shall be a recognised dental qualification for
the purposes of this Act, and any such notification may provide for an amendment of the Schedule and
may also direct that any such dental qualification as is specified in the notification shall be entered in the
Schedule as so amended.

(6) The Central Government may, after consultation with the Council, by notification in the Official

Gazette, amend the Schedule by directing that an entry be made therein in respect of any dental
qualification declaring that it shall be a recognised dental qualification only when granted before a
specified date.]

**1[10A. Permission for establishment of new dental college, new courses of study, etc.—(1)**

Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act or any other law for the time being in force,—

(a) no person shall establish an authority or institution for a course of study or training (including

a post-graduate course of study or training) which would enable a student of such course or training to
qualify himself for the grant of recognised dental qualification; or

(b) no authority or institution conducting a course of study or training (including a post-graduate

course of study or training) for grant of recognised dental qualification shall—

(i) open a new or higher course of study or training (including a post-graduate course of study

or training) which would enable a student of such course or training to qualify himself for the
award of any recognised dental qualification; or

(ii) increase its admission capacity in any course of study or training (including a post
graduate course of study or training),

except with the previous permission of the Central Government obtained in accordance with the
provisions of this section.

_Explanation 1.—For the purposes of this section, “person” includes any University or a trust but does_

not include the Central Government.

1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1993, s. 2 (w.e.f. 27-8-1992).

7


-----

_Explanation 2.—For the purposes of this section, “admission capacity”, in relation to any course of_

study or training (including a post-graduate course of study or training) in an authority or institution
granting recognised dental qualification, means the maximum number of students that may be fixed by
the Council from time to time for being admitted to such course or training.

(2) (a) Every person, authority or institution granting recognised dental qualification shall, for the

purpose of obtaining permission under sub-section (1), submit, to the Central Government a scheme in
accordance with the provisions of clause (b) and the Central Government shall refer the said scheme to
the Council for its recommendations.

(b) The scheme referred to in clause (a) shall be in such form and contain such particulars and be

preferred in such manner and be accompanied with such fee as may be prescribed.

(3) On receipt of a scheme by the Council under sub-section (2), the Council may obtain such other

particulars as may be considered necessary by it from the person, authority or institution concerned,
granting recognised dental qualification and thereafter, it may,—

(a) if the scheme is defective and does not contain any necessary particulars, give a reasonable

opportunity to the person, authority or institution concerned for making a written representation and it
shall be open to such person, authority or institution to rectify the defects, if any, specified by the
Council;

(b) consider the scheme, having regard to the factors referred to in sub-section (7), and submit the

scheme together with its recommendations thereon to the Central Government.

(4) The Central Government may, after considering the scheme and the recommendations of the

Council under sub-section (3) and after obtaining, where necessary, such other particulars as may be
considered necessary by it from the person, authority or institution concerned, and having regard to the
factors referred to in sub-section (7), either approve (with such conditions, if any, as it may consider
necessary) or disapprove the scheme and any such approval shall be a permission under sub-section (1):

Provided that no scheme shall be disapproved by the Central Government except after giving the

person, authority or institution concerned granting recognised dental qualification a reasonable
opportunity of being heard:

Provided further that nothing in this sub-section shall prevent any person, authority or institution

whose scheme has not been approved to submit a fresh scheme and the provisions of this section shall
apply to such scheme, as if such scheme has been submitted for the first time under sub-section (2).

(5) Where within a period of one year from the date of submission of the scheme to the Central

Government under sub-section (2), no order passed by the Central Government has been communicated
to the person, authority or institution submitting the scheme, such scheme shall be deemed to have been
approved by the Central Government in the form in which it has been submitted, and, accordingly, the
permission of the Central Government required under sub-section (1) shall also be deemed to have been
granted.

(6) In computing the time-limit specified in sub-section (5), the time taken by the person, authority or

institution concerned submitting the scheme in furnishing any particulars called for by the Council or by
the Central Government, shall be excluded.

(7) The Council, while making its recommendations under clause (b) of sub-section (3) and the

Central Government, while passing an order either approving or disapproving the scheme under
sub-section (4), shall have due regard to the following factors, namely:—

(a) whether the proposed authority or institution for grant of recognised dental qualification or the

existing authority or institution seeking to open a new or higher course of study or training, would be
in a position to offer the minimum standards of dental education in conformity with the requirements
referred to in section 16A and the regulations made under sub-section (1) of section 20;

(b) whether the person seeking to establish an authority or institution or the existing authority or

institution seeking to open a new or higher course of study or training or to increase its admission
capacity has adequate resources;

8


-----

(c) whether necessary facilities in respect of staff, equipment, accommodation, training and other

facilities to ensure; proper functioning of the authority or institution or conducting the new course of
study or training or accommodating the increased admission capacity have been provided or would be
provided within the time-limit specified in the scheme;

(d) whether adequate hospital facilities, having regard to the number of students likely to attend

such authority or institution or course of study or training or as a result of the increased admission
capacity have been provided or would be provided within the time-limit specified in the scheme;

(e) whether any arrangement has been made or programme drawn to impart proper training to

students likely to attend such authority or institution or course of study or training by persons having
the recognised dental qualifications;

(f) the requirement of manpower in the field of practice of dentistry; and
(g) any other factors as may be prescribed.

(8) Where the Central Government passes an order either approving or disapproving a scheme under

this section, a copy of the order shall be communicated to the person, authority or institution concerned.

**10B. Non-recognition of dental qualifications in certain cases.—(1) Where any authority or**

institution is established for grant of recognised dental qualification except with the previous permission
of the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section 10A, no dental qualification
granted to any student of such authority or institution shall be a recognised dental qualification for the
purposes of this Act.

(2) Where any authority or institution granting recognised dental qualification opens a new or higher

course of study or training (including a post-graduate course of study or training) except with the previous
permission of the Central Government in accordance with the previous permission of the Central
Government in accordance with the provisions of section 10A, no dental qualification granted to any
student of such authority or institution on the basis of such study or training shall be a recognised dental
qualification for the purposes of this Act.

(3) Where any authority or institution granting recognised dental qualification increases its admission

capacity in any course of study or training (including a post-graduate course of study or training) except
with the previous permission of the Central Government in accordance with the provisions of section
10A, no dental qualification granted to any student of such authority or institution on the basis of the
increase in its admission capacity shall be a recognised dental qualification for the purposes of this Act.

_Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the criteria for identifying a student who has been_

granted a dental qualification on the basis of such increase in the admission capacity shall be such as may
be prescribed.

**10C. Time for seeking permission for certain existing authorities.—(1) If, after the 1st day of**

June, 1992 and on and before the commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1993 (30 of 1993)
any person has established an authority or institution for grant of recognised dental qualification or any
authority or institution granting recognised dental qualification has opened a new or higher course of
study or training (including a post-graduate course of study or training) or increased its admission
capacity, such person, authority or institution, as the case may be, shall seek, within a period of one year
from the commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1993, the permission of the Central
Government in accordance with the provisions of section 10A.

(2) If any person or, as the case may be, any authority or institution granting recognised dental

qualification fails to seek the permission under sub-section (1), the provisions of section 10B shall apply,
so far as may be, as if permission of the Central Government under section 10A has been refused.]

1[10D. Uniform entrance examination for undergraduate and post-graduate level.—There shall

be conducted a uniform entrance examination to all dental educational institutions at the undergraduate
level and post-graduate level through such designated authority in Hindi, English and such other
languages and in such manner as may be prescribed and the designated authority shall ensure the conduct
of uniform entrance examination in the aforesaid manner:

1. Ins. by Act 40 of 2016, s. 2 (w.e.f. 24-5-2016).

9


-----

Provided that notwithstanding any judgment or order of any court, the provisions of this section shall

not apply, in relation to the uniform entrance examination at the undergraduate level for the academic
year 2016-17 conducted in accordance with any regulations made under this Act, in respect of the State
Government seats (Whether in Government Dental College or in a Private Dental College) where such
State has not opted for such examination.]

**11. Qualifications of dental hygienists.—Any authority in a** [1][State] [2]*** which grants a

qualification for dental hygienists may apply to the Council to have such qualification recognised, and the
Council may, after such inquiry, if any, as it thinks fit, and after consulting the Government and the
3[State] Council of the 1[State] in which the authority making the application is situated, declare that such
qualification, or such qualification only when granted after a specified date, shall be a recognised dental
hygiene qualification for the purposes of this Act.

**12. Qualifications of dental mechanics.—The Council may prescribe the period and nature of an**

apprenticeship or training which shall be undergone and the other conditions which shall be satisfied by a
person before he is entitled to be registered under this Act as a dental mechanic.

**13. Effect of recognition.—Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, but subject to the**

provisions of this Act,—

(a) any recognised dental or dental hygiene qualification shall be a sufficient qualification for

enrolment in the appropriate register of any [1][State];

(b) no person shall, after the first registers are compiled under this Act, be entitled to be enrolled

in any register as a dentist or dental hygienist unless he holds a recognised dental or dental hygiene
qualification or as a dental mechanic unless he has undergone training which satisfies the prescribed
requirements referred to in section 12.

**14. Power to require information as to courses of study and training and examinations.—Every**

authority in a [1][State] [2]*** which grants any recognised dental or dental hygiene qualification shall
furnish such information as the Council may from time to time require as to the courses of study and
training and examinations to be undergone in order to obtain such qualification, as to the ages at which
such courses of study and examinations are required to be undergone, and generally as to the requisites
for obtaining such qualification.

**15. Inspection.—(1) The Executive Committee** [4][may, subject to regulations, if any, made by the

Council appoint] such number of Inspectors as it deems necessary to attend at any examinations held by
authorities in the [5][States] [2]*** which grant recognised dental or dental hygiene qualifications and to
inspect any institution recognised as a training institution.

(2) Inspectors appointed under this section shall not interfere with the course of any examination but

they shall report to the Executive Committee on the sufficiency of every examination at which they attend
and of the courses of study and training at every institution which they inspect, and on any other matters
with regard to which the Executive Committee may require them to report.

(3) The Executive Committee shall forward a copy of such report to the authority or institution

concerned and shall also forward copies with remarks, if any, of the authority or institution concerned
thereon to the Central Government and to the Government of the State in which the authority or
institution is situated.

6[15A. Appointment of Visitors.—(1) The Council may appoint such number of Visitors as it may

deem necessary to attend at any examination held by any authority or institution in a State which grants
recognised dental qualifications and to inspect any institution training students for recognised dental
qualifications.

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”.
2. The words “of India” omitted, ibid.
3. Subs. ibid., for “Provincial”.
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 6, for “may appoint”.
5. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provinces”.
6. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 9 (w.e.f. 1-11-1973).

10


-----

(2) Any person, whether he is a member of the Council or not, may be appointed as a Visitor under

this section, but a person who is appointed as an Inspector under section 15 for any inspection or
examination shall not be appointed as a Visitor for the same inspection or examination.

(3) The Visitor shall not interfere with the course of any examination but shall report to the President

of the Council on the sufficiency of every examination at which he attends and of the courses of study and
training at every institution which he inspects, and on the adequacy of the standards of dental education
including staff, equipment, accommodation and other facilities prescribed for giving dental education, and
on any other matters with regard to which the Council may require him to report.

(4) The report of a Visitor shall be treated as confidential unless in any particular case the President of

the Council otherwise directs:

Provided that if the Central Government requires a copy of the report of a Visitor, the Council shall

furnish the same.

**16. Withdrawal of recognition.—(1) When upon report by the Executive Committee it appears to**

the Council—

(a) that the courses of study and training or the examinations to be undergone in order to obtain a

recognised [1]*** dental hygiene qualification from any authority in a [2][State] [3]*** or the conditions
for admission to such courses or the standards of proficiency required from the candidates at such
examinations are not in conformity with regulations made under this Act or fall short of the standards
required thereby, or

(b) that an institution does not satisfy the requirements of the Council,

the Council may send to the Government of the [4][States] in which the authority or institution is situated a
statement to such, effect, and the [5][State] Government shall forward it, along with such remarks as it may
think fit, to the authority or institution concerned with an intimation of the period within which the
authority or institution may submit its explanation to the [5][State] Government.

(2) On receipt of the explanation, or where no explanation is submitted within the period fixed, then

on the expiry of the period, the [5][State] Government shall after consulting the [5][State] Council, forward its
recommendations and those of the [5][State] Council, if any, to the Council.

(3) The Council, after considering the recommendations of the [5][State] Government and the State

Council and after such further inquiry, if any, as it may think fit to make, may declare that the
qualification granted by the authority or institution shall be a recognised [1]*** dental hygiene qualification
only when granted before a specified date.

(4) The Council may declare that any recognised [1]*** dental hygiene qualification granted outside the

4[States] 3*** shall be recognised as such only if granted before a specified date.

6[16A.Withdrawal of recognition of recognised dental qualification.—(1) When, upon report by

the Executive Committee or the Visitor, it appears to the Council—

(a) that the courses of study and training or the examination to be undergone in order to obtain a

recognised dental qualification from any authority or institution in a State, or the conditions for
admission to such courses or the standards of proficiency required from the candidates as such
examinations are not in conformity with the regulations made under this Act or fall short of the
standards required thereby, or

(b) that an institution does not, in the matter of staff, equipment, accommodation, training and

other facilities, satisfy the requirements of the Council,

the Council shall send a statement to that effect to the Central Government.

(2) After considering such a statement, the Central Government may send it to the Government of the

State in which the authority exercises power or the institution is situated, and the State Government shall
forward it, along with such remarks as it may think fit to make, to the authority or institution concerned,

1. The words “dental or” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 10 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”.
3. The words “of India” omitted, ibid.
4. Subs., ibid, for “Provinces”.
5. Subs., ibid, for “Provincial”.
6. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 11 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

11


-----

with an intimation of the period within which the authority or institution may submit its explanation to the
State Government.

(3) After considering the explanation, or where no explanation is submitted within the period fixed,

then, on the expiry of that period, the State Government shall make its recommendations to the Central
Government.

(4) The Central Government may, after considering the recommendations of the State Government

and after making such further inquiry, if any, as it may think fit, by notification in the Official Gazette,
direct that an entry shall be made in Part I of the Schedule against the qualification granted by the
authority or institution declaring that it shall be a recognised dental qualification only when granted
before a specified date or that the said recognised dental qualification if granted to students of a specified
college or institution affiliated to any University shall be a recognised dental qualification only when
granted before a specified date or, as the case may be, that the said recognised dental qualification shall be
a recognised dental qualification in relation to a specified college or institution affiliated to any University
only when granted after a specified date.]

**17. Mode of declarations.—All declarations under [1]*** section 11 or section 16 shall be made by a**

resolution passed at a meeting of the Council and shall forthwith be published in the Official Gazette.

2[17A. Professional conduct.—(1) The Council may prescribe standards of professional conduct and

etiquette or the code of ethics for dentists.

(2) Regulations made by the Council under sub-section (1) may specify which violations thereof shall

constitute infamous conduct in any professional respect, that is to say, professional misconduct, and such
provision shall have effect notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any other law for the
time being in force.]

**18. The Indian Register.—(1) The Council shall maintain a register of dentists to be known as the**

Indian Dentists Register and consisting of the entries in all the [3][State] registers of dentists.

(2) Each [3][State] Council shall supply to the Council twenty printed copies of the [3][State] register as

soon as may be after the 1st day of April of each year, and each Registrar shall inform the Council
without delay of all additions to and other amendments in the [3][State] register.

**19. Information to be furnished.—(1) The Council shall furnish copies of its minutes and of the**

minutes of the Executive Committee and an annual report of its activities together with an abstract of its
accounts to the Central Government.

(2) The Central Government may publish in such manner as it thinks fit any report, copy or abstract

furnished to it under this section.

**20. Power to make regulations.—(1) The Council may, with the approval of the Central**

Government, [4][by notification in the Official Gazette,] make regulations not inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act to carry out the purposes of this Chapter.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power such regulations

may—

(a) provide for the management of the property of the Council [5]***;
(b) prescribe the manner in which elections under this Chapter shall be conducted;
(c) provide for the summoning and holding of meetings of the Council and the Executive

Committee, the times and places at which such meetings shall be held, the conduct of business thereat
and the number of members necessary to constitute a quorum;

(d) prescribe the functions of the Executive Committee;
(e) prescribe the powers and duties of the President and Vice-President;
(f) prescribe the tenure of office and the powers and duties of the Secretary [6][and other officers

and servants of the Council and Inspectors and Visitors appointed by the Council];

1. The word and figures “section 10” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 12 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
2. Ins. by s. 13, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
4. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).
5. The words “and the maintenance and audit of its accounts” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 14 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
6. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 14, for “Inspectors and other officers and servants of the Council” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

12


-----

1[(fa) prescribe the form of the scheme, the particulars to be given in such scheme, the manner in

which the scheme is to be preferred and the fee payable with the scheme under clause (b) of
sub-section (2) of section 10A;

(fb) prescribe any other factors under clause (g) of sub-section (7) of section 10A;

(fc) prescribe the criteria for identifying a student who has been granted a dental qualification

referred to in the Explanation to sub-section (3) of section 10B;]

(g) prescribe the standard curricula for the training of dentists and dental hygienists, and the

conditions for admission to courses of such training;

(h) prescribe the standards of examinations and other requirements to be satisfied to secure for

qualifications recognition under this Act;

2[(ha) the designated authority, other languages and the manner of conducting of uniform

entrance examination to all dental educational institutions at the undergraduate level and postgraduate level;]

(i) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed under this Act:

Provided that regulations under clauses (g) and (h) shall be made after consultation with [3][State]

Governments.

(3) To enable the Council to be first constituted, the Central Government may make regulations for

the conduct of the elections to the Council, and any regulation so made may be altered or rescinded by the
Council in exercise of its powers under this section.

4[(4) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made before

each House of Parliament, while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be
comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session
immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any
modification in the regulation or both Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulation
shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however,
that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously
done under that regulation.]

CHAPTER III

2[STATE] DENTAL COUNCILS

**21. Constitution and Composition of State Councils.—Except where a Joint** [2][State] Council is

constituted in accordance with an agreement made under section 22, the [2][State] Government shall
constitute a [2][State] Council consisting of the following members, namely:—

(a) four members elected from among themselves by dentists registered in Part A of the [2][State]

register;

5*     -     -     -     
6[(c) the heads of dental colleges, if any, in the State which train students for any of the

recognised dental qualifications included in Part I of the Schedule, ex officio;]

(d) one member elected from amongst themselves by the members of the Medical Council or the

Council of Medical Registration of the [7][State], as the case may be; [8]***

(e) three members nominated by the [7][State] Government; [9][and]

[8][(f) the Chief Medical Officer of the State, by whatever name called, ex officio:]

1. Ins. by Act 30 of 1993, s. 3 (w.e.f. 27-8-1992).
2. Ins. by Act 40 of 2016, s. 3 (w.e.f. 24-5-2016).
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
4. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).
5. Clause (b) omitted by Act 13 of 2019, s. 3 (w.e.f. 30-7-2019).
6. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 7, for clause (c).
7. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”.
8. The word “and” omitted by Act 42 of 1972, s. 15 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
9. Ins. by s. 15, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

13


-----

1[Provided that in the State of Saurashtra 2[as it existed before the 1st November, 1956], the State

Dental Council constituted under Saurashtra Ordinance XXV of 1948, as amended by Saurashtra
Ordinance XL of 1949, shall be deemed to the State Council constituted under this Act.]

**22. Inter-State agreements.—(1) Two or more [3][State] Governments may enter into an agreement to**

be in force for such period and to be subject to renewal for such further periods, if any, as may be
specified in the agreement, to provide—

(a) for the constitution of a Joint [3][State] Council for all the participating [4][States], or

(b) for the [3][State] Council of one [5][State] to serve the needs of the other participating [4][States].

(2) In addition to such matters as are in this Act specified, an agreement under this section may—

(a) provide for the apportionment between the participating [4][States] of the expenditure in

connection with the [3][State] Council or Joint [3][State] Council;

(b) determine which of the participating [3][State] Governments shall exercise the several functions

of the [3][State] Government under this Act, and the references in this Act to the [3][State] Government
shall be construed accordingly;

(c) provide for consultation between the participating [3][State] Governments either generally or

with reference to particular matters arising under this Act;

(d) make such incidental and ancillary provisions, not inconsistent with this Act, as may be

deemed necessary or expedient for giving effect to the agreement.

(3) An agreement under this section shall be published in the Official Gazettes of the participating

4[States].

**23. Composition of Joint State Councils.—A Joint** [3][State] Council shall consist of the following

members, namely:—

(a) two members elected from among themselves by dentists registered in Part A of the register of

each of the participating [4][States];

6*     -     -     -     
7[(c) the heads of dental colleges, if any, in all the participating States which train students for any

of the recognised dental qualifications included in Part I of the Schedule, ex officio;]

(d) one member elected by the Medical Council or the Council of Medical Registration, of each

participating [5][State], as the case may be;

(e) two members nominated by each participating [3][State] Government;

8[(f) the Chief Medical Officer of each participating State, by whatever name called, ex officio.]

**24. Incorporation of State Councils.—Every** [3][State] Council shall be a body corporate by such

name as may be notified by the [3][State] Government in the Official Gazette or, in the case of a Joint
3[State] Council, as may be determined in the agreement, having perpetual succession and a common seal
with power to acquire and hold property, both movable and immovable, and shall by the said name sue
and be sued.

**25. President and Vice-President of State Council.—(1) The President and Vice-President of the**

3[State] Council shall be elected by the members from among themselves:

1. Added by Act 12 of 1955, s. 7.
2. Ins. by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956.
3. Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
4. Subs., ibid., for “Provinces”.
5. Subs., ibid., for “Province”.
6. Clause (b) omitted by Act 13 of 2019, s. 4 (w.e.f. 30-7-2019).
7. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 8, for clause (c).
8. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 16 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

14


-----

Provided that for five years from the first constitution of the [1][State] Council, the President shall, if

the [1][State] Government so decides, be a person nominated by the [1][State] Government who shall hold
office during the pleasure of the [1][State] Government, and where he is not already a member, shall be a
member of the [1][State] Council in addition to the members referred to in section 21 or 23, as the case may
be.

(2) The President or Vice-President shall hold office as such for a term not exceeding five years and

not extending beyond the expiry of his term as a member of the [1][State] Council, but subject to his being a
member of the [1][State] Council, he shall be eligible for re-election.

**26. Mode of elections.—Elections under this Chapter shall be conducted in the prescribed manner,**

and where any dispute arises regarding any such election, it shall be referred to the [1][State] Government
whose decision shall be final.

**27. Term of office and casual vacancies.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, an elected or**

nominated member shall hold office for a term of five years from the date of his election or nomination or
until his successor has been duly elected or nominated whichever is longer:

2[Provided that a member nominated under clause (e) of section 21 or clause (e) of section 23, shall

hold office during the pleasure of the authority nominating him.]

(2) An elected or nominated member may at any time resign his membership by writing under his

hand addressed to the President, and the seat of such member shall thereupon become vacant.

(3) An elected or nominated member shall be deemed to have vacated his seat—

(a) if he is absent without excuse, sufficient in the opinion of the [1][State] Council, from three

consecutive ordinary meetings of the [1][State] Council, or

(b) in the case of a member whose name is required to be included in any [1][State] register, if his

name is removed from the register, or

(c) where he has been elected under clause (d) of section 21 or under clause (d) of section 23, if

he ceases to be a member of the Medical Council or the Council of Medical Registration of the
1[State] as the case may be.

(4) A casual vacancy in the [1][State] Council shall be filled by fresh election or nomination, as the case

may be, and the person elected or nominated to fill the vacancy shall hold office only for the remainder of
the term for which the member whose place he takes was elected or nominated.

(5) Members of the [1][State] Council shall be eligible for re-election or re-nomination.

(6) No act done by the [1][State] Council shall be called in question on the ground merely of the

existence of any vacancy in, or defect in the constitution of, the [1][State] Council.

**28. Staff, remuneration and allowances.—(1) The [1][State] Council may, with the previous sanction**

of the [1][State] Government,—

(a) appoint a Registrar who shall also act as Secretary and if so decided by the [1][State] Council

also as its Treasurer;

(b) appoint such other officers and servants as may be required to enable the [1][State] Council to

carry out its functions under this Act;

(c) require and take from the Registrar or from any other officer or servant such security for the

due performance of his duties as the [1][State] Council considers necessary;

(d) fix the salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of the Registrar and other

officers and servants of the [1][State] Council;

(e) fix the rate of allowances payable to members of the [1][State] Council.

1. Subs. by the A. O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Added by Act 42 of 1972, s. 17 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

15


-----

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) of sub-section (1), for the first four years from

the first constitution of the [1][State] Council, the Registrar of the [1][State] Council shall be a person
appointed by the [1][State] Government who shall hold office during the pleasure of the [1][State]
Government.

**29. Executive Committee.—(1) The** [1][State] Council shall constitute from among its members an

Executive Committee consisting of the President and Vice-President _ex officio_ [2][and the Chief Medical
Officer of the State or the States concerned, by whatever name called, _ex officio] and such number of_
other members elected by the [1][State] Council as may be prescribed.

(2) The President and Vice-President of the [1][State] Council shall be Chairman and Vice-Chairman,

respectively, of the Executive Committee.

(3) A member of the Executive Committee shall bold office as such until the expiry of his term of

office as member of the [1][State] Council, but subject to his being a member of the [1][State] Council, he
shall be eligible for re-election.

(4) The Executive Committee shall exercise and discharge such powers and duties as may be

prescribed.

**30. Information to be furnished.—(1) The** [1][State] Council shall furnish such reports, copies of its

minutes and of the minutes of the Executive Committee, and abstracts of its accounts to the [1][State]
Government as the [1][State] Government may from time to time require and shall forward copies of all
material so furnished to the [1][State] Government to the Council.

(2) The [1][State] Government may published in such manner as it thinks fit any report copy or abstract

furnished to it under this section.

CHAPTER IV

REGISTRATION

**31. Preparation and maintenance of register.—(1) The** [1][State] Government shall as soon as may

be cause to be prepared in the manner hereinafter provided a register of dentists for the [3][State].

(2) The [1][State] Council shall upon its constitution assume the duty of maintaining the register in

accordance with the provisions of this Act.

(3) The register of dentists shall be maintained in two Parts, A and B, persons possessing recognised

dental qualifications being registered in Part A and persons not possessing such qualifications being
registered in Part B.

(4) The register shall include the following particulars, namely:—

(a) the full name, nationality and residential address of the registered person;

(b) the date of this first admission to the register;

(c) his qualification for registration, and the date on which he obtained his degree or diploma in

dentistry, if any, and the authority which conferred it;

(d) his professional address; and
(e) such further particulars as may be prescribed.

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 18 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”.

16


-----

**32. First preparation of register.—(1) For the purpose of first preparing the register of dentists, the** [1][State]

Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a Registration Tribunal consisting of three
persons and shall also appoint a Registrar who shall act as Secretary of the Tribunal.

(2) The [1][State] Government shall, by the same or a like notification, appoint a date on or before which

application for registration, which shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee, shall be made to the Registration
Tribunal.

(3) The Registration Tribunal shall examine every application received on or before the appointed date, and if it

is satisfied that the applicant is qualified for registration under section 33, shall direct the entry of the name of the
applicant on the register.

(4) The register so prepared shall thereafter be published in such manner as the [1][State] Government may direct,

and any person aggrieved by a decision of the Registration Tribunal expressed or implied in the register as so
published may, within thirty days from the date of such publication, appeal to an authority appointed by the [1][State]
Government in this behalf by notification in the Official Gazette.

(5) The Registrar shall amend the register in accordance with the decisions of the authority appointed under

sub-section (4) and shall thereupon issue to every person whose name is entered on the register a certificate of
registration in the prescribed form.

(6) Upon the constitution of the [1][State] Council, the register shall be given into its custody, and the [1][State]

Government may direct that all or any specified part of the application fees for registration in the first register shall
be paid to the credit of the [1][State] Council.

**33. Qualifications for entry on first preparation of register.—(1) A person shall be entitled on payment of**

the prescribed fee to have his name entered on the register when it is first prepared, if he resides or carries on the
profession of dentistry in the [1][State] and if he—

(a) holds a recognised dental qualification, or
(b) does not hold such a qualification but, being a [2][citizen of India], has been engaged in practice as a

dentist as his principal means of livelihood for a period of not less than five years prior to [3][the date appointed
under sub-section (2) of section 32]:
Provided that no person other than a [3][citizen of India] shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a

qualification—

(a) specified in Part I of the Schedule unless by the law and practice of the State or country to which such

person belongs persons of Indian origin holding dental qualifications registrable in that State or country are
permitted to enter and practise the profession of dentistry in such State or country, or

4[(b) recognised, in pursuance of a scheme of reciprocity, under sub-section (5) of section 10:]

Provided further that a person shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a qualification specified in [5][Part II]

of the Schedule only if he is a [3][citizen of India]:

6[Provided further that for the purpose of the first preparation of the register of dentists under this Act, a person

shall be entitled to have his name entered in the appropriate part of the register without payment of any registration
fee.—

(a) in the State of Saurashtra [7][as it existed before the 1st November, 1956], if he is registered on the

register of dental practitioners maintained under Saurashtra Ordinance No. 25 of 1948, as amended by
Saurashtra Ordnance No. 40 of 1949; or

(b) in the State of Travancore-Cochin [7][as it existed before the 1st November, 1956], if he is registered on

the register of dental practitioners maintained under the Travancore Medical Practitioners Act, 1119; [8][or]

9*   -   -   -   -   
(2) A person domiciled in a [1][State] [10]*** shall be entitled on payment of the prescribed fee to temporary

registration as a dentist for a period of five years, if he has been engaged in practice as a dentist as his principal

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “British subject of Indian domicile”.
3. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 9, for “the commencement of this Act”.
4. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 19, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
5. Subs. by s. 19, ibid., for Part III (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
6. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 9, for the last proviso.
7. Ins. by the Adaptation of Laws (No. 3) Order, 1956.
8. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 19 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
9. Clause (c) omitted by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, vide notification No. S.O. 1123(E)

dated (18-3-2020) and _vide Union Territory of Ladakh Reorganisation (Adaptation of Central Laws) Order, 2020, Notification No. S.O._
3774(E), dated (23-10-2020).

10. The words “or India” omitted, ibid.

17


-----

means of livelihood for a period of not less than two years during the five years prior to [1][the date
appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32], and a person so registered shall be entitled to permanent
registration if [2][for a period of five years from the date of his temporary registration he has been engaged
in practice as a dentist].

**34. Qualification for subsequent registration.—[3][(1)] After the date appointed under**

sub-section (2) of section 32 a person shall, on payment of the prescribed fee, be entitled to have his name
entered on the register of dentists, if he resides or carries on the profession of dentistry in the [3][State] and
if he—

(i) holds a recognised dental qualification, or

(ii) does not hold such a qualification but, being a [4][citizen of India], has been engaged in practice

as a dentist as his principal means of livelihood for a period of not less than [5][two years before the
date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32] and has passed, within a period of [6][ten years after
the said date], an examination recognised for this purpose by the [7][Central Government]:

Provided that no person other than a [8][citizen of India] shall be entitled to registration by virtue of a

qualification—

(a) specified in Part I of the Schedule unless by the law and practice of the State or country to

which such person belongs persons of Indian origin holding dental qualifications registrable in that
State or country are permitted to enter and practice the profession of dentistry in such State or
country, or

8[(b) recognised, in pursuance of a scheme of reciprocity, under sub-section (5) of section 10:]

Provided further that a person registered in Part B of the register shall be entitled to be registered in

Part A thereof, if within a period of [9][ten years after the date of his registration in Part B] he passes an
examination recognised for the purpose by the [11][Central Government].

10[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1),—

(a) a [11][State Council] may during the period of two years immediately after the commencement

of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, [12][1955 (12 of 1955)], permit for sufficient reasons the registration
in the State register of any displaced person who does not hold a recognised dental qualification but
has been actually practising the profession of dentistry as his principal means of livelihood from a
date prior to the 29th day of March, 1948;

_Explanation.—In this clause “displaced person” means any person who, on account of the setting_

up of the Dominions of India and Pakistan or on account of civil disturbances or fear of such
disturbances in any area now forming part of Pakistan has, after the 1st day of March, 1947, left or
been displaced from, his place of residence in such area and who has since then been residing in
India;

1. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 9, for “the date of the commencement of this Act”.
2. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for certain words.
3. Section 34 renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10.
4. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “British subject of Indian domicile.”
5. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10, for “two years before the commencement of this Act”.
6. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for “five years after the commencement of this Act”.
7. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 20, for “Council” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
8. Subs. by s. 20, ibid., for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
9. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 10, for “five years”.
10. Ins. by s. 10, ibid.
11. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 20, for “State Dental Council” (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
12. Subs. by Act 36 of 1957, s. 3 and the Second Schedule, for “1954”.
_*. Vide Notification No. S.O. 3912 (E), dated 30th October, 2019, this Act is made applicable to the Union territory of Jammu_
and Kashmir and the Union territory of Ladakh.

18


-----

1[(aa) the State Council may, during the period of two years immediately after the

commencement of the Dentists (Amendment) Act, 1972 (42 of 1972), permit, for sufficient reasons,
the registration in the State register of any displaced person or a repatriate who does not hold any
recognised dental qualification but has been actually practising the profession of dentistry as his
principal means of livelihood from a date prior to the 29th day of March, 1948.

_Explanation.—In this clause,—_

(i) “displaced person” means any person who, on account of civil disturbances or fear of such

disturbances in any area now forming part of Bangla Desh, has, after the 14th day of April, 1957
but before the 25th day of March, 1971, left. or has been displaced from, his place of residence in
such area and who has since then been residing in India ;]

(ii) “repatriate” means any person who, on account of civil disturbances or fear of such

disturbances in any area now forming part of Burma or Ceylon, has. after the 14th day of April,
1957, left or has been displaced from, his place of residence in such area and who has since then
been residing in India;]

(b) a person other than a citizen of India holding a reputable dental qualification and

employed for teaching or research in a dental institution situated in any of the States may be
permitted [2]*** temporary registration in the State register of dentists for the period of his
employment or for a period of five years, whichever is shorter:

Provided that he does not practise the profession of dentistry for personal gain and his

application for registration is approved by the President of the Council.]

**35. Scrutiny of applications for registration.—(1) After the date appointed for the receipt of**

applications for registration in the first register of dentists, all applications for registration shall be
addressed to the Registrar of the [3][State] Council and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.

(2) If upon such application the Registrar is of opinion that the applicant is entitled to have his name

entered on the register, he shall enter thereon the name of the applicant:

Provided that no person, whose name has under the provisions of this Act been removed from the

register of any [4][State], shall be entitled to have his name entered on the register except with the approval
of the [3][State] Council from whose register his name was removed.

(3) Any person whose application for registration is rejected by the Registrar may, within three

months from the date of such rejection, appeal to the [3][State] Council, and the decision of the [3][State]
Council thereon shall be final.

(4) Upon entry in the register of a name under this section, the Registrar shall issue a certificate of

registration in the prescribed form .

**5[35A. Special provision for amending the register of dentists.—Notwithstanding anything**

contained in this Chapter, the Registrar may, by order in writing, amend the register by deleting therefrom
the name of any person who by reason of the formation of the State of Andhra, has ceased to reside or
carry on the business or profession of dentistry in the State of Madras:

Provided that the Registrar shall, before passing an order, make such inquiry as he deems necessary.

(2) Any person aggrieved by an order under sub-section (1) may appeal to such authority and within

such time, as may be specified in this behalf by the State Government of Madras; and such authority shall
pass such order on the appeal as it thinks fit.

1. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 20 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
2. The words “irrespective of any considerations of reciprocity” omitted by s. 20, ibid. (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
4. Subs., ibid., for “Province”.
5. Ins. by the Madras Adaptation of Laws Order, 1954.

19


-----

(3) An order of the Registrar under sub-section (1), or where an appeal has been preferred against it

under sub-section (2), the order of the appellate authority shall be final.

(4) The provision of this section shall cease to be in force from such date as the State Government of

Madras may by notification in the Official Gazette appoint.]

**36. Registers of dental hygienists and dental mechanics.—(1) The** [1][State] Government may, by

notification in the Official Gazette direct that the [1][State] Council shall maintain a register of dental
hygienists or a register of dental mechanics.

(2) The provisions of section 35 shall, so far as they may be made applicable, apply in respect of

applications for registration in a register referred to in this section.

**37. Qualification for registration as a dental hygienist.—A person shall be entitled on payment of**

the prescribed fee to have his name registered on the register of dental hygienists, if he resides in the
2[State] and holds a recognised dental hygiene qualification:

Provided that for the purposes of the first register of dental hygienists, a person shall be entitled to be

registered, if he has been engaged as a dental hygienist as his principal means of livelihood for a period of
not less than two years prior to the date of notification under sub-section (1) of section 36.

**38. Qualification for registration as a dental mechanic.—A person shall be entitled on payment of**

the prescribed fee to have his name entered in the register of dental mechanics, if he satisfies the
prescribed requirements referred to in section 12:

Provided that for the purposes of the preparation of the first register of dental mechanics a person

shall be entitled to be registered, if he has been engaged as a dental mechanic as his principal means of
livelihood for a period of not less than two years prior to the date of notification under sub-section (1) of
section 36.

**39. Renewal fees.—(1) The** [1][State] Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct

that for the retention of a name in a register after the 31st day of December of the year following the year
in which the name is first entered in the register, there shall be paid annually to the [1][State] Council such
renewal fee as may be prescribed in respect of each register, and where such direction has been made,
such renewal fee shall be due to be paid before the 1st day of April of the year to which it relates.

(2) Where a renewal fee is not paid before the due date, the Registrar shall remove the name of the

defaulter from the register:

Provided that a name so removed may be restored to the register on payment in such manner as may

be prescribed.

3[(3) On payment of the renewal fee, the Registrar shall issue a certificate of renewal and such

certificate shall be proof of renewal of registration.]

**40. Entry of additional qualifications.—A registered dentist shall on payment of the prescribed fee**

be entitled to have entered in the register any further recognised [4][dental] qualification which he may
obtain.

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Subs., ibid., for “Province”.
3. Subs. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 21, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
4. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 11.

20


-----

**41. Removal from register.—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the** [1][State] Council may

order that the name of any person shall be removed from any register where it is satisfied, after giving that
person a reasonable opportunity of being heard and after such further inquiry, if any, as it may think fit to
make,—

(i) that his name has been entered in the register by error or on account of misrepresentation or

suppression of a material fact, or

(ii) that he has been convicted of any offence or has been guilty of any infamous conduct in any

professional respect [2][or has violated the standards of professional conduct and etiquette or the code
of ethics prescribed under section 17A], which in the opinion of the [1][State] Council renders him unfit
to be kept in the register, [3][or]

3[(iii) that he having been permitted temporary registration under clause (b) of sub-section (2) of

section 34 has, on such registration, been found to practise the profession of dentistry for personal
gain.]

(2) An order under sub-section (1) may direct that any person whose name is ordered to be removed

from a register shall be ineligible for registration in the [1][State] under this Act either permanently or for
such period of years as may be specified.

(3) An order under sub-section (1) shall not take effect until the expiry of three months from the date

thereof.

(4) A person aggrieved by an order under sub-section (1) may, within thirty days from the date

thereof, appeal to the [1][State] Government, and the order of the [1][State] Government upon such appeal
shall be final.

(5) A person whose name has been removed from the register under this section or under

sub-section (2) of section 39 shall forthwith surrender his certificate of registration [2][and certificate of
renewal, if any,] to the Registrar, and the name so removed shall be published in the Official Gazette.

3[(6) A person whose name has been removed from the State register of dentists under this section or

under sub-section (2) of section 39 shall not be entitled to have his name registered in the register of
dentists in any other State register of dentists except with the approval of the State Council from whose
register his name has been removed.]

**42. Restoration to register.—The** [1][State] Council may at any time, for reasons appearing to it

sufficient and subject to the approval of the [1][State] Government, order that upon payment of the
prescribed fee the name of a person removed from a register shall be restored thereto.

**43. Bar of jurisdiction.—No order refusing to enter a name in a register or removing a name from a**

register shall be called in question in any Court.

**44. Issue of duplicate certificates.—Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Registrar that a**

certificate of registration [4][or a certificate of renewal] has been lost or destroyed, the Registrar may, on
payment of the prescribed fee, issue a duplicate certificate in the prescribed form.

**45. Printing of registers.—As soon as may be after the 1st day of April in each year, the Registrar**

shall cause to be printed copies of the registers as they stood on the said date and such copies shall be
made available to persons applying therefor on payment of the prescribed charge, and shall be evidence
that on the said date the persons whose names are entered therein were registered dentists, registered
dental hygienists or registered dental mechanics, as the case may be.

**46. Effect of registration.—(1) Any reference in any other law to a person recognised by law as a**

dentist shall be deemed to be a reference to a dentist registered under this Act.

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 22 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
3. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 12.
4. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 23 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

21


-----

(2) No certificate required by or under any other law from a dentist shall be valid unless the person

signing it is registered as a dentist under this Act.

(3) After the expiry of [1][three years] from [2][the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32], a

person who is not registered in Part A of the [3][State] register of dentists shall not, except with the sanction
of [4][the Central Government or the State Government] hold any appointment as dentist in any dispensary,
hospital or other institution [5]*** which is supported wholly or partially from public or local funds:

Provided that the provisions of this sub-section shall not apply to any such person who is holding

such an appointment [6][immediately before the said date].

(4) After the expiry of two years from the publication of a register of dental hygienists in a [7][State],

no person whose name is not entered in that register shall hold appointment as dental hygienist in any
dispensary, hospital or other institution in the [7][State] which is supported wholly or partially from public
or local funds.

(5) Any person who is a registered dentist, registered dental hygienist or registered dental mechanic in

a [7][State] may practise as such in any other [7][State].

8[46A.Transfer of registration.—Where a dentist registered in one State is practising dentistry in

another State, he may, on payment of the prescribed fee which shall not exceed the renewal fee for
registration in such other State, make an application in the prescribed form to the Council for the transfer
of his name from the register of the State where he is registered to the register of the State in which he is
practising dentistry, and on receipt of any such application, the Council shall, notwithstanding anything
contained elsewhere in this Act, direct that the name of such person be removed from the first-mentioned
register and entered in the register of the Second-mentioned State and the State Councils concerned shall
comply with such directions:

Provided that such a person shall be required to produce a certificate to the effect that all dues in

respect of his registration in the former State have been paid:

Provided further that where any such application for transfer is made by a dentist against whom any

disciplinary proceeding is pending or where for any other reason it appears to the Council that the
application for transfer has not been made _bona fide and the transfer should not be made, the Council_
may, after giving the dentist a reasonable opportunity of making a representation in this behalf, reject the
application.]

CHAPTER V

MISCELLANEOUS

**47. Penalty for falsely claiming to be registered.—If any person whose name is not for the time**

being entered in a register falsely represents that it is so entered, or uses in connection with his name or
title any words or letters reasonably calculated to suggest that his name is so entered, he shall be
punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and on any subsequent
conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand
rupees or with both.

**48. Misuse of titles.—If any person,—**

(a) not being a person registered in a register of dentists, takes or uses the description of dental

practitioner, dental surgeon, surgeon dentist, or dentist, or

1. Subs. by Act 58 of 1950, s. 3, for “two years”.
2. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 13, for “the commencement of this Act”.
3. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 13, for “the State Government”.
5. The words “in the State” omitted by s. 13, ibid.
6. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for “at the commencement of this Act”.
7. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”.
8. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 24 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

22


-----

(b) not being a person whose name entered on a register of dental hygienists, takes or uses in a

1[State] where such register has been published, the title of dental hygienist, or

(c) not being a person whose name is entered on a register of dental mechanics, takes or uses in a

1[State] where such register has been published, the title of dental mechanic, 2[or]

2[(d) not possessing a recognised dental qualification, uses a degree or a diploma or an

abbreviation indicating or implying a dental qualification,]

he shall be punishable on first conviction with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and any
subsequent, conviction with imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding
one thousand rupees or with both.

**49. Practice by unregistered persons.—(1) After the expiry of** [3][three years] from [4][the date

appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32] in the case of dentists, and in the [5][States] where a register
of dental hygienists or dental mechanics has been prepared under section 36 from such date as may be
specified in this behalf by the [6][State] Government by notification in the Official Gazette, in the case of
dental hygienists or dental mechanics, no person, other than a registered dentist, registered dental
hygienist or registered dental mechanic, shall practise dentistry, or the art of scaling, cleaning or polishing
teeth, or of making or repairing dentures and dental appliances, as the case may be, or indicate in any way
that he is prepared to so practise:

Provided that the provisions of this section shall not apply to—

(a) practice of dentistry by a registered medical practitioner;

(b) the extraction of a tooth by any person when the case is urgent and no registered dentist is

available, so however that the operation is performed without the use of any general or local
anaesthetic;

(c) the performance of dental work or radiographic work in any hospital or dispensary maintained

or supported from public or local funds.

(2) If any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable on first

conviction with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, and on any subsequent conviction with
imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or with
both.

**50. Failure to surrender certificate of registration.—If any person whose name has been removed**

from a register fails without sufficient cause forthwith to surrender his certificate of registration [7][or
certificate of renewal, or both], he shall be punishable with fine which may extend to fifty rupees per
month of such failure and in the case of a continuing offence with an additional fine which may extend to
two rupees per day after the first day during which the offence continues.

**51. Companies not to engage in dentistry.—(1) Except as hereinafter provided, the profession of**

dentistry shall not be carried on by a company or other corporate body.

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply to—

(a) a company or other corporate body which carries on no business other than the profession of

dentistry or some business ancillary to the profession of dentistry and of which the majority of the
directors and all the operating staff are registered dentists;

(b) the carrying on of the profession of dentistry by employers who provide dental treatment for

their employees by registered dentists otherwise than for profit;

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Province”.
2. Ins. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 14.
3. Subs. by Act 58 of 1950, s. 3, for “two years” (retrospectively).
4. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 15, for “the commencement of this Act”.
5. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provinces”.
6. Subs., ibid., for “Provincial”.
7. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 25 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

23


-----

(c) the carrying on of the profession of dentistry by any hospital or dispensary or institution for

the training of dentists or dental hygienists or by any local authority or other body authorised or
required by law to provide dental treatment:

Provided that any company or other corporate body carrying on the profession of dentistry

1[immediately before the date appointed under sub-section (2) of section 32] may continue so to do until
the expiry of three years from such date.

(3) if any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1), he shall be punishable with fine which

may extend, on first conviction to five hundred rupees, or on any subsequent conviction with
imprisonment which may extend to six months or with fine not exceeding one thousand rupees or with
both.

**52. Cognizance of offences.—No court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under this**

Act except upon complaint made by order of the [2][State] Government or the [2][State] Council.

**53. Payment of part of fees to Council.—The [2][State] Council shall before the end of June in each**

year pay to the Council a sum equivalent to one-fourth of the total fees realised by the [2][State] Council
under this Act during the period of twelve months ending on the 31st day of March of that year.

3[53A.Accounts and audit.—(1) The Council shall maintain appropriate accounts and other relevant

records and prepare an annual statement of accounts including the balance-sheet, in accordance with such
general directions as may be issued and in such form as may be specified by the Central Government in
consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

(2) The accounts of the Council shall be audited annually by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of

India or any person appointed by him in this behalf and any expenditure incurred by him or any person so
appointed in connection with such audit shall be payable by the Council to the Comptroller and AuditorGeneral of India.

(3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and any person appointed by him in connection

with the audit of the accounts of the Council shall have the same rights and privileges and authority in
connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India has in connection with the
audit of Government accounts, and in particular, shall have the right to demand the production of books
of accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers and to inspect the office of the Council.

(4) The accounts of the Council as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India or any

person appointed by him in this behalf, together with the audit report thereon, shall be forwarded annually
to the Central Government.

(5) A copy of the accounts of the Council as so certified together with the audit report thereon shall be

forwarded simultaneously to the Council.]

**54. Appointment of Commission of Enquiry.—(1) Whenever it appears to the Central Government**

that the Council is not complying with any of the provisions of this Act, the Central Government may
appoint a Commission of Enquiry consisting of three persons, two of whom shall be appointed by the
Central Government, one being the Judge of a High Court, and one by the Council; and refer to it the
matters on which the enquiry is to be made.

(2) The Commission shall proceed to enquire in a summary manner and report to the Central

Government on the matters referred to it together with such remedies, if any, as the Commission may like
to recommend.

(3) The Central Government may accept the report or remit the same to the Commission for

modification or reconsideration.

(4) After the report is finally accepted, the Central Government may order the Council to adopt the

remedies so recommended within such time as may be specified in the order and if the Council fails to

1. Subs. by Act 12 of 1955, s. 16, for “at the date of the commencement of this Act”.
2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
3. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 26 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).

24


-----

comply within the time so specified, the Central Government may pass such order or take such action as
may be necessary to give effect to the recommendations of the Commission.

(5) Whenever it appears to the [1][State] Government that the [1][State] Council is not complying with

any of the provisions of this Act, the [1][State] Government may likewise appoint a similar Commission of
Enquiry in respect of the [1][State] Council to make enquiry in like manner and pass such order or take such
action as specified in sub-sections (3) and (4).

**55. Power to make rules.—(1) The [1][State] Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette,**

make rules to carry out the purposes of Chapters III, IV and V.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may

provide for—

(a) the management of the property of the [1][State] Council, and the maintenance and audit of its

accounts;

(b) the manner in which elections under Chapter III shall be conducted;

(c) the summoning and holding of meetings of the [1][State] Council, the times and places at which

such meetings shall be held, the conduct of business thereat and the number of members necessary to
form a quorum;

(d) the powers and duties of the President and Vice-President of the [1][State] Council;

(e) the constitution and functions of the Executive Committee, the summoning and holding of

meetings thereof, the times and places at which such meetings shall be held, the number of members
necessary to constitute a quorum;

(f) the term of office and the powers and duties of the Registrar and other officers and servants of

the [1][State] Council, including the amount and nature of the security to be given by the Treasurer;

(g) the particulars to be stated, and the proof of qualifications to be given in applications for

registration under this Act;

2[(gg) the form of application for transfer of registration from one State to another;]

3[(h) the charge for supplying printed copies of the registers, and the fees payable for—

(i) registration or renewal of registration;

(ii) supplying a duplicate certificate of registration or renewal; and

(iii) transfer of registration from one State to another;

(i) the forms of certificates of registration and renewal;]

(j) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed under Chapters III, IV and V, except

sub-sections (1), (2), (3) and (4) of section 54.

4[(3) Every rule made by the State Government under this section shall be laid, as soon as may be

after it is made, before the State Legislature.]

1. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Provincial”.
2. Ins. by Act 42 of 1972, s. 27 (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
3. Subs. by s. 27, ibid., for clauses (h) and (i) (w.e.f. 1-11-1972).
4. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).

25


-----

1THE SCHEDULE

_PART I_

[See sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 10]

_Recognised Dental Qualifications granted by the Authorities or Institutions in India_

Authority or Institution Recognised dental qualification Abbreviation for registration

1 2 3


1. Board of Examiners Calcutta

Dental College and Hospital,
Calcutta

2. State Medical Faculty,

Bengal, Calcutta

3. City Dental College and

Hospital, Calcutta.


Licentiate in Dental Science—
if granted before the 1st day of May,
1941.

Licentiate in Dental Science—if
granted after the 30th day of April,
1941.

Licentiate in Dental Science— if
granted before the 31st day of March,
1940, to any person who—
(i) had undergone two years’ course of

training in that institution; or

(ii) having been previously engaged in

practice as a dentist or a medical
practitioner, had undergone one
year's course of training in that
institution.


L.D.Sc Calcutta.


L.D.S (S.M.F.) Bengal.


L.D. Sc.(C.D.C.) Calcutta.


(i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S. Mumbai.
4. University of Mumbai

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery

—Prosthetic Dentistry M.D.S. (Pros.), Mumbai.

—Periodontia M.D.S. (Perio.), Mumbai.

—Oral Surgery M.D.S. (Oral Surgery), Mumbai.

—Orthodontia M.D.S (Ortho.) Mumbai.

—Dental Radiology M.D.S (Oral Medicine, Diagnosis
and Radiology) Mumbai.

—Operative Dentistry M.D.S (Operative) Bombay.


—Dental Pathology and

Bacteriology


M.D.S (Oral Pathology and
Microbiology), Mumbai.


5. College of Physicians and Licentiate in Dental Science L.D.S. (C.P.S.) Mumbai.

Surgeons, Mumbai

6. Nair Hospital, Dental Board, Licentiate in Denial Science L.D. Sc.(Nair) Mumbai.

Mumbai

7. East Punjab University Bachelor of Dental Surgery— B.D.S.(East Punjab).

— If granted during the year 1948.

8. Lucknow University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Lucknow.

1. The Schedule as amended from time to time has been reproduced here. As the notifications are innumerable, their Gazette
references have not been included in this footnote.

26


-----

1 2 3

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery

— Prosthodontics M.D.S (Pros.) Lucknow.

— Periodontics M.D.S (Perio.) Lucknow.

— Orthodontics M.D.S (Ortho.) Lucknow.

— Oral Surgery M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Lucknow.

— Pedodontia and Preventive M.D.S (Pedo.) Lucknow.

Dentistry

9. Chennai University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Chennai.

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery

Oral Surgery M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Chennai.

Periodontology M.D.S(Perio) Chennai.

Operative Dentistry M.D.S(Operative) Chennai.

Orthodontia M.D.S (Ortho) Chennai.

10. Calcutta University Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Calcutta.

11. Punjab University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Punjab

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery M.D.S (Pedo.) Punjab.

—Pedodontia and Preventive Dentistry

—Dental Prosthesis and Crown and M.D.S (Pros.) Punjab.

Bridge Work

—If granted before 31st December,

1970.

(iii) Pedodontia and Preventive M.D.S (Pedo.), PGIMER.

Dentistry:

— If granted on or after May, 1980.

Further modified to read as under vide
Govt. of India MOH & FW (Deptt. Of
Health’s Notificaton No. V12017/6/83-PMS, dated 27-8-1984).
@—if granted in or after 1978.

12. Punjab University Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Punjab.

13. Osmania University Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Osmania.

14. Kerala University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Kerala.

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery

— Operative Dentistry M.D.S (Operative) Kerala.

— Prosthetic Dentistry M.D.S (Pros.) Kerala.

— Periodontia M.D.S (Perio.) Kerala.

— Orthodontia M.D.S (Ortho.) Kerala.

15. Mysore University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Mysore.

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery

—Operative Dentistry *M.D.S (Operative) Mysore.
(This qualification shall be

recognised only when granted
before 12-9-1973).

—Orthodontia M.D.S (Ortho.) Mysore.

27


-----

1 2 3

—Periodontia
M.D.S(Perio.) Mysore.

16. Patna University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Patna.

(ii) Master of Dental Surgery M.D.S (Prosthetic Dentistry) Patna.


(Prosthetic Dentistry)


17. Bangalore University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Bangalore.


(ii) Master of Dental Surgery
(Orthodontics)


M.D.S (Ortho.) Bangalore.


—Oral Surgery M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Bangalore.

—Periodontia M.D.S (Perio.) Bangalore.

—Public Health Dentistry M.D.S (Public Health Dentistry),
Bangalore.

—Oral Diagnosis and Dental Radiology M.D.S (Oral Diagnosis and Dental

Radiology) Bangalore.

18. Indore University Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Indore.

19. Gujarat University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Gujarat.


(ii) Master of Dental Surgery


— Prosthetic Dentistry M.D.S (Pros.) Gujarat.

— Periodontia M.D.S (Perio.) Gujarat.

—Oral Pathology and Bacteriology M.D.S (Oral Path & Bart) Gujarat.

— Oral Diagnosis and Dental Radiology M.D.S (Oral Diag & Radiology)

Gujarat.

— Operative Dentistry M.D.S (Operative) Gujarat.

— Oral Surgery M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Gujarat.

— Orthodontia M.D.S (Ortho.) Gujarat.

20. Guru Nanak University (i) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Guru Nanak.


(ii) Master of Dental Surgery


— Pedodontia and Preventive

Dentistry


M.D.S (Pedo.) Guru Nanak.


—Dental Prosthesis and Crown and

Bridge Work


M.D.S (Pros.) Guru Nanak.


21. Nagpur University Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S., Nagpur.

22. Mangalore University Master of Dental Surgery

— Oral Surgery M.D.S (Oral Surgery) Mangalore.

— Periodontics M.D.S (Periodontics) Mangalore.

—Prosthetic Dentistry M.D.S (Prosthetic Dentistry),
Mangalore.

28


-----

1 2 3

—Orthodontia M.D.S. (Orthodontia), Mangalore.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery M.D.S., Mangalore.

23. Banaras Hindu University Master of Dental Surgery

— Operative Dentistry M.D.S (Operative Dentistry)
Varanasi.

24. Annamalai University Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S Annamalai.


PART II



[See sub-section (3) of section 10]

_Recognised Dental Qualifications for the purposes of registration when the register is first prepared_

Authority or Institution Recognised dental qualification Abbreviation for

registration

3
1 2

1. The University of Vienna (Austria) Post-graduate Certificate of Dentistry Z.D.S (Vienna).


2. The Tulane University of Louisiana
(U.S.A.)


Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S (Louisiana)
(U.S.A.).


3. Dusseldorf (Germany) Zahnarzt Diploma —


PART III



[See sub-section (4) of section 10]

_Recognised Dental Qualifications granted by Authorities or Institutions outside India only when_

_granted to a citizen of India_

Authority or Institution Recognised dental qualification Abbreviation for registration

1 2 3


1. The University of Punjab Lahore

2. The Punjab State Medical Faculty,

Lahore

3. The Board of Examiners, College of

Dentistry, Karachi


Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery

— if granted before the 15th

day of August, 1947.

Licentiate in Dental Science

— if granted before the 15th

day of August, 1947

Licentiate in Dental Science

— if granted before the 31st

day of December, 1943.

29


B.D.S., Lahore.

M.D.S., Lahore.

L.D.Sc (S.M.F.), Lahore

L.D.Sc., Karachi.


-----

1 2 3


4. The Royal College of Surgeons,

England (U.K.)

5. The Royal College of Surgeon,

Edinburgh (U.K.)

6. Royal College of Physicians and

Surgeons of Glasgow/Royal Faculty
of Physicians and Surgeons, Glasgow
(U.K.)

7. The Royal College of Surgeons,

Ireland.

8. The University of Newcastle Upon

Tyne/The University of Durham,
Newcastle Upon Tyne (U.K.)

9. The University of London (U.K)

10. The University of Manchester

(U.K.)

11. The University of Birmingham

(U.K.)

12. The University of Liverpool (U.K.)

13. The University of Leeds (U.K.)


Licentiate in Dental Surgery
Fellowship in Dental Surgery
Diploma in Orthodontic

Licentiate in Dental Surgery
Fellow in Dental Surgery

Licence in Dental Surgery
Diploma in Orthopaedics
Fellowship in Dental Surgery
*Higher Dental Diplomate
*Granted only up to 1965.

Licence in Dental Surgery
Fellowship of the Faculty of
Dentistry

*Licence in Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
Doctor of Dental Science

*abolished from 1962.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
Master of Science (Dentistry)

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Dental surgery
Licentiate in Dental Surgery

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery

- Licence of Dental Surgery

- abolished from 1950.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
Doctor of Philosophy

- Licence in Dental Surgery

*—Abolished in 1953.

Bachelor or Dental Surgery
Diploma in Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery

30


L.D.S.R.C.S., Eng.
F.D.S.R.C.S., Eng.
D.Orth.R.C.S., Eng.

L.D.S.R.C.S., Edin.
F.D.S.R.C.S., Edin.

L.D.S.R.C.P.S.G.
D.D.O.R.C.P.S.G.
F.D.S.R.C.P.S.G.
H.D.D.

L.D.S.R.C.S Irel.
F.F.D.R.C.S Irel.

L.D.S Dunelm.
B.D.S. Newcastle / Dunelm.
M.D.S. Newcastle / Dunelm.
D.D.S Newcastle / Dunelm.

B.D.S., London.
M.D.S., London.
M.Sc., London.

D.D.S., (U.Manc.)
M.D S., (U.Manc.)
B.D.S.(U Manc.)
L.D.S.(U Manc.)

B.D.S Birmingham.
M.D.S Birmingham.
L.D.S Birmingham.

B.D.S Liverpool.
M.D.S Liverpool.
Ph.D Liverpool.
L.D.S Liverpool.

B.Ch.D.U., Leeds.
L.D.S.U., Leeds.
M.Ch.D.U., Leeds.


-----

1 2 3


14. The University of Sheffield (U.K.)

15. The University of Bristol (U.K.)

16. The University of

Dundee/University of St.
Andrews, Dundee (U.K.)

17. The Queen's University of Belfast

(U.K.)

18. The National University of Ireland,

Dublin

19. The Emory University Atlanta

(U.S.A.) Atlanta/Southern Dental
College, Atlanta, Georgia(U.S.A.)

20. University of Illinois, Chicago

(U.S.A.)


Bachelor or Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
Licentiate in Dental Surgery

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Diploma in Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
Doctor or Dental Sciences
Diploma in Public Dentistry

- Diploma in Dental Surgery

*—abolished in 1950.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery
*Licentiate in Dental Surgery

*— abolished.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Master of Dental Surgery

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science in Dentistry

Degree of Dental Surgery
Master of Science


B.D.S.U., Sheff.
M.D.S.U., Sheff.
L.D.S.U., Sheff.

B.D.S.U., Brist.
L.D.S.U., Brist.
M.D.S.U., Brist.

B.D.S.U., Dundee/St And.
M.D.S.U., Dundee/St And
D.D.Sc.U., Dundee/St.And
D.P.D.U., Dundee/St And
L.D.S.U., St And.

B.D.S., Q.U.Belf.
M.D.S., Q.U.Belf.
L.D.S., Q.U. Belf.

B.D.S., N.U.Irel.
M.D.S., N.U.Irel.

D.D.S., Atlanta
M.S.D., Atlanta

D.D.S.,Illinois
M.S.,Illinois


21. Lyola University, Chicago (U.S.A.) Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S., Lyola

Master of Science in Oral Biology M.S., Lyola.


22. North Western University, Chicago,

Illinois (U.S.A.)

23. Indiana University, Indianapolis,

Indiana (U.S.A.)

24. College of Dentistry, University of

Jowa City, Iowa (U.S.A.)

25. Harvard University Boston,

Massachusetts (U.S.A.)

26. University of Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska (U.S.A.)

27. Columbia University, New York

City (U.S.A.)


Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S., Columbia

31


Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science
*Master of Science in Dentistry

*—discontinued in 1959.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science in Dentistry

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science


D.D.S., North-Western
M.S., North-Western
M.S.D., North-Western

D.D.S., Indiana
M.S.D., Indiana

D.D.S., Iowa
M.S., Iowa


Doctor of Dental Medicine D.M.D., Harvard.


Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science in Dentistry


D.D.S., Nebraska
M.S.D., Nebraska


-----

1 2 3


28. University of Pennsylvania,

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (U.S.A.)

29. The University of Texas at Houston,

Texas Dental College, Houston (U.S.A.)

30. University of Minnesota (U.S.A.)


*Doctor of Dental Surgery
Doctor of Dental Medicine

*—abolished in 1964


Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science in
Dentistry
Doctor of Philosophy


D.D.S., Penn.
D.M.D., Penn.


Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S., Texas.


D.D.S., Minnesota.
M.S.D., Minnesota.
PhD., Minnesota.


31. Saint Louis University, Missouri (U.S.A) Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S., St.Louis.


32. University of Michigan (U.S.A) Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science
Doctor of Philosophy


33. Tufts University, Tufts College, Boston

(U.S.A.)

34. The University of Toronto, Ontario

(Canada)


Doctor of Dental Medicine
Master of Science
Master of Dental Science
Doctor of Philosophy

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Diploma in Dental Public
Health
Diploma in Oral Surgery
and Anaesthesia
Diploma in Paedodontics
Diploma in Orthodontics
Diploma in Periodontics
Bachelor of Science in
Dentistry
Master of Science in
Dentistry
Doctor of Philosophy


D.D.S., Michigan.
M.S., Michigan.
Ph.D., Michigan.

D.M.D., Tufts.
M.S., Tufts.
M.D.S., Tufts.
Ph.D., Tufts.

D.D.S., Toronto.
D.D.P.H., Toronto.
Dip Oral Surg., Toronto.
Dip Paedodont., Toronto.
Dip Orthodont., Toronto.
Dip Periodont., Toronto.
B.Sc D., Toronto.
M.Sc D., Toronto.
Ph.D., Toronto.


35. McGill University, Montreal (Canada) Doctor of Dental Surgery D.D.S., McGill.


36. Deutsche Zahnaerztliche Universitaets

Institute, Munich (Germany)

37. Deutsche Zahnaerztliche Universitaets

Institute, Munich (Germany)


Diploma 

Diploma


38. Ecole Dentaire de Paris, Paris Chirugien Dentiste
(Diploma of Dental
Surgeon)



D.E.D.P., Paris.


39. Ecole Dentaire Francaise, Paris Diploma of Dental Surgeon D.E.D.F., Paris.


40. American Dental College, Karachi


Licentiate in Dental Science L.D.Sc., Karachi.
—if granted on or before
the 31st December, 1936.

32


-----

1 2 3


41. The Faculty of Medicine, University of

Vienna (Austria)

42. University of Berlin (Germany)


The qualification of dental
specialist granted by the
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Vienna, after
two years’ course in
dentistry prior to which the
M.D.
Degree of that University
has been obtained.


Zahnaerzt Diploma Doctor Medicinac Dentariae




43. University of Freiburg (Germany) Zahnaerzt Diploma Dr. Med. Dent.

44. University of Frankfurt (Germany) Doctor Medicine Dentariae Dr.Med.Dent.


45. Baltimore College of Dental Surgery,

University of Maryland (U.S.A.)


Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science


D.O.S., Maryland.
M.S., Maryland.


46. University of Rostock (Germany) Doctor Medicinae Dentariae Dr.Med.Dent.


47. University of Detroit (U.S.A.) Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science


D.D.S. Detroit.
M.S. Detroit.


48. University of Rochester (U.S.A.) Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D., Rochester.

49. University of Edinburgh (U.K.) Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S., Edin.


50. Punjab Dental College/Dental and Optical

College, Lahore (Now defunct)

51. Tokyo Medical and Dental University,

Tokyo (Japan)

52. University of New Zealand, Wellington,

(New Zealand)

53. Ecole de Chirugie Dentarire de

Stomatologie de Paris (France)


*Licentiate of Dental
Science Diploma
*Bachelor of Dental
Science Diploma

*—if granted on or

before the 14th August,
1947.

Dr. of Medical Science
— Operative Dentistry


L.D.Sc., Lahore.

B.D.Sc., Lahore.

D.M.Sc., Igakuhakushi.


Master of Dental Surgery M.D.S., New Zealand.

Diploma DP.CD & S., Paris.


54. University of Sydney, Sydney (Australia) Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Master of Dental Surgery


B.D.S., Sydney.
B.D.S., Sydney.

D.D.S., Georgetown.
M.S (Pedo.) Georgetown.

D.D.S., Alabama.
M.S.D., Alabama.


55. Georgetown University, Washington

(U.S.A.)


Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Surgery in
Pedodontia


56. University of Alabama, Alabama (U.S.A.) Doctor of Dental Surgery

Master of Science in
Dentistry


57. University of Otago, Dunedin C.I.

(New Zealand)


Master of Dental Surgery M.D.S., Otago.

33


-----

1 2 3


58. Marquette University

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(U.S.A.)

59. New York (University, New

York (U.S.A.)

60. University of Californiam

San Francisco (U.S.A.)

61. University of Missouri at

Kansas City, Missouri
(U.S.A.)

62. Washington University, St.

Louis, Missouri (U.S.A.)

63. University of Malaya

Singapore

64. University of Pittsburg,

Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
(U.S.A.)

65. University of Alabama in

Birmingham (U.S.A.)

66. Karolinska Institute School of

Dentistry, Stockhom
(Sweden)

67. Westphalia Wilhems

University Munstor
(Germany)

68. University of Queensland

(Australia)

69. Boston, University, Boston,

Massachusetts (U.S.A.)

70. Georgetown University,

Washington DC (U.S.A.)

71. Moscow Medical

Stomatological Institute,
Moscow (U.S.S.R.)

72. Dhaka University, Dhaka

(Bangladesh)


Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science in Dentistry

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Master of Science


Master of Science—Orthodontics M.Sc.D.Orth., Boston.

Master of Science (Orthodontics) M.S (Ortho.), Georgetown.

Diploma in Stomatology Dip.Stom., (Moscow).

Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S., Dhaka.

34


D.D.S., Marquette.
M.S., Marquette.

D.D.S., N.Y.
M.S.D .,N.Y.

D.D.S., Calif.
M.S., Calif.

D.D.S., Missouri.
M.S., Missouri.

D.D.S., Washington.
M.S., Washington.


Bachelor of Dental Surgery B.D.S., Malaya.


Master of Science in Dentistry
(Pedodontics)

Master of Science Degree in
Pathology (Oral Pathology)


M.S.D (Pedo.), Pittsburg.

M.S.D. (Oral Path.) Birmingham.


Doctor of Odontology Dr Odont., Karolinska.

Doctor of Dental Medicine Dr.Med. Dent., Westphalia
Wilhems.


Master of Dental Science
—Oral Biology (Oral Histology
and Oral Pathology)


M.D.Sc. (Oral Bio., Oral Histo.
and Oral Path.) Queensland.


-----

