Clarification on Dentists’ Eligibility for Aesthetic Procedures

Union Minister’s Statement in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, the Union Minister of State for Health, Smt Anupriya Patel, provided important clarification regarding the qualifications of dentists to carry out aesthetic procedures. She stated that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) who complete their training under the Dental Council of India’s (DCI) MDS Course Regulations, 2017, are authorized to perform aesthetic surgical procedures and certain hair restoration treatments, but only within the cranio-maxillofacial region.

Response to Parliamentary Queries

This clarification was made in response to inquiries from Parliament member Shri Vivek K Tankha. He sought to understand whether the DCI allows OMFS to conduct aesthetic dermatology procedures and if such permissions exceed the statutory authority of the DCI. He also raised concerns about potential overlaps with the provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, and whether these situations pose public safety or regulatory issues. Additionally, he questioned if the government plans to issue advisories or establish coordination between the DCI and NMC to address these overlaps.

Training and Scope of OMFS

Minister Patel further clarified that OMFS specialists receive comprehensive training through their recognized postgraduate programs. She emphasized that their area of expertise is separate from dermatology and general medicine, which allows the scopes of the DCI and NMC to be complementary rather than conflicting. Moreover, she highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting inter-regulatory coordination among different statutory bodies to ensure regulatory clarity, uphold patient safety, and maintain the integrity of the professions regulated by these bodies.

Concerns Over Unqualified Practitioners

Medic Helpline previously reported that in response to concerns about unqualified individuals conducting aesthetic dermatology and laser treatments, Minister Patel indicated that the NMC has not received any complaints regarding such activities nationwide. She referenced NMC guidelines concerning Aesthetic Surgery and Hair Transplant Procedures issued on September 20, 2022, aimed at ensuring patient safety and ethical medical practices.

NMC Guidelines on Qualifications for Procedures

In her earlier remarks, Minister Patel noted that the NMC had clarified the qualifications required for medical professionals performing hair transplants and aesthetic surgeries. Specifically, regarding hair transplantation, the NMC stated that the procedure should ideally be conducted by individuals with formal surgical training, such as MCh/DNB in Plastic Surgery or MD/DNB in Dermatology, who possess adequate training in dermatological surgical procedures.

For aesthetic surgeries, the Commission specified that such procedures should only be performed by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) with appropriate training in accordance with their curriculum. The guidelines emphasize that the curricula of various specialties should guide RMPs when undertaking any aesthetic or hair transplant procedures.

Risks and Training Requirements

The NMC guidelines further articulated that aesthetic procedures, including hair transplants, carry potential complications and require specific skills and training in patient selection, differential diagnosis, surgical techniques, and post-procedure care to achieve optimal outcomes. It was advised that practitioners wishing to perform these procedures should be adequately knowledgeable and trained, as well as possess the necessary infrastructure and manpower to manage any issues that may arise.

Additionally, the NMC clarified that aesthetic procedures, including hair transplants, do not fall under emergency surgeries, thus there is no justification for allowing untrained individuals to perform them under “exceptional circumstances.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent statements and guidelines highlight the critical importance of regulatory clarity in aesthetic procedures and ensure that patient safety remains a top priority in the medical field.