Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016 accepted in Rajya Sabha

Rajya Sabha on 1 August 2016 passed the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016 with voice Vote. The Bill seeks to amend the Dentists Act, 1948.

It also seeks to replace the Dentists (Amendment) Ordinance, 2016 and states that its provisions will come in to force from 24 May 2016.

Lok Sabha passed the bill on 19 July 2016. Now, the bill will be sent to the President for his assent.

Key Features of the Bill
• It seeks to introduce a uniform entrance examination for all dental educational institutions. This would be applicable at the undergraduate and the post-graduate level.
• The Bill states that in case a state has not opted for the uniform entrance examination, then the examination will not be applicable at the undergraduate level for the academic year 2016-17. This provision will apply to state government seats in government and private dental colleges.
• The Bill states that the entrance examinations will be conducted in Hindi, English and other languages.
• The Bill provides powers to the DCI to frame regulations with regard to
a) The authority designated with the conduct of the exams
b) The manner of conducting the exams
c) Specifying languages other than English and Hindi in which the examinations may be conducted.
• The existing Act of 1948 provides for the constitution of the Dental Council of India (DCI) and regulate
a) Permission to start colleges, courses or increase the number of seats
b) Registration of dentists
c) Standards of professional conduct of dentists; among others

The Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha by Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda on 19 July 2016.