Context:

The Dentist (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was recently passed in the monsoon session of the Parliament.

About the Bill:

• The Bill amends the Dentists Act, 1948.
• The Act regulates the profession of dentistry and constitutes:
  • The Dental Council of India,
  • State Dental Councils and
  • Joint State Dental Councils.

•  A register of dentists is maintained under the Act in two parts, Part A and Part B.  Persons possessing recognised dental qualifications are registered in Part A and persons not possessing such qualifications are registered in Part B.
• The persons in Part B are Indian citizens who have been practicing as dentists for at least five years prior to a registration date notified by the state government.

Composition of the Dental Councils:

• Under the Act, composition of the Dental Council of India, State Dental Councils, and Joint State Dental Councils includes representation from dentists registered in Part B.
• The Bill seeks to remove the mandatory requirement of the representation of dentists registered in Part B in these Councils.