Question : PRIVATE DENTAL COLLEGES

(a) the State-wise details of the private dental colleges functioning in the country;

(b) whether most of the dental colleges are functioning without fulfilling the prescribed criteria;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) the details of the action being taken by the Government against such medical colleges;

(e) whether the Dental Council of India has suggested to the Government for imposing ban on the setting up of new dental colleges and to improve system/ working of the old colleges and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a): At present 209 private dental colleges are functioning in the country. State-wise number of dental colleges in private sector is given in the statement at Annexure.

(b) to (d): The standard of dental education is maintained by ensuring that such permission for opening of new dental colleges/renewal of permission by Central Government is granted only after ensuring that the colleges have the required infrastructure as per the Regulations and through periodic inspections by Dental Council of India as per the Statute.

(e)& (f): The DCI had made a proposal for imposing moratorium on opening of new dental colleges in the country for a period of 5 years. However, the Central Government has not agreed to the said proposal, keeping in view the fact that permissions for opening of new Dental Colleges are granted only on compliance of the requirements laid down in the Regulations and the need for more dentists to ensure better oral health.