Hyderabad:Following the dispute between the Dental Council of India (DCI) and the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) regarding the scope of practice for dentists, specifically on whether they are qualified to perform aesthetic surgeries and hair transplants, the TGMC sought formal clarification from the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The DCI, through its guidelines, had indicated that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) are trained to perform such procedures. However, the TGMC, aligning with the NMC’s position, argued that dentists lack the required surgical training for aesthetic and hair transplant procedures.
In its response, the NMC stated that the public notice issued by the DCI had been released without consultation with the Commission. The TGMC interpreted this as a clarification that MDS-OMFS graduates are not eligible to perform aesthetic and hair transplantation procedures.
The TGMC further noted that placing dental students in various clinical departments of modern medicine, particularly in Plastic Surgery departments, which handle aesthetic and hair transplant procedures in several Telangana medical colleges, is in violation of NMC guidelines.
Accordingly, the TGMC has formally requested the DCI to withhold the posting of MDS-OMFS students in Plastic Surgery departments, citing regulatory concerns and the need to maintain clear boundaries between dental and medical practice.
