Cabinet approves introduction of the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the introduction of the Dentists (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in Parliament subject to modifications of drafting or consequential nature, if any, as may be considered necessary by the Legislative Department by amending the Dentists Act, 1948 (16 of 1948). The amendment will reduce the redundancy.

The clauses being amended include those pertaining to certain modifications in the provisions of the Dentists Act, 1948 with regard to two major factors.

Firstly, the membership of the Dental Council of India under clause (f) of section 3.

Secondly, the Membership of State and Joint State Dental Councils under clause (b) of section 21 and clause (b) of section 23 of the said Act.

Earlier, as per the existing Act, it was required to have the representation of dentists registered in Part B as Central Government nominees in the Dental Council of India and the election of four/ two members from

Part B to the State/ Joint State Dental Councils. However, it has lost relevance. With a view to reducing the redundancy of the provisions of their representation, the Central Government has decided to delete these provisions so that their representation does not remain mandatory any more.