National Dental Commission

 National Dental Commission

For decades, the Dental Council of India functioned as the primary regulatory authority under the Dentists Act, 1948. However, concerns regarding transparency, quality of education, and uneven growth of dental institutions led to the need for reform.

To address these issues, the Government of India introduced the National Dental Commission Act, 2023, establishing the National Dental Commission as the new governing body.

NDC was officially constituted on March 19,2026 replacing DCI.

Commission (NDC) is a statutory body designed to regulate dental education, profession, and institutions across India. It represents a shift toward a more transparent, accountable, and efficient system.

Objectives of NDC

The NDC focuses on:

• Improving the quality of dental education
• Ensuring ethical dental practice
• Enhancing accessibility and affordability of oral healthcare
• Promoting uniform standards nationwide
• Strengthening governance and transparency

Structure of the Commission

The NDC is structured to function through specialized autonomous boards:

• Undergraduate & Postgraduate Dental Education Board- Overseas education standards
• Dental Assessment and Rating Board (DARB) - Regulates accreditation and institutional assessment.
• Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB) - maintains the national register of dentists and governs professional conduct.

NExT - A National Exit Test will be introduced in the final undergraduate year to serve as a licensure exam for registration in state or national registers and for PG admission

Key Changes from DCI to NDC

The transition from the DCI to the NDC introduces several important reforms:

1. Greater Transparency

A systematic assessment and rating mechanism for dental colleges replaces opaque inspection systems.

2. Standardized Education

Uniform curriculum guidelines and stricter monitoring aim to improve graduate competency.

3. Digital Transformation

Creation of a National Dental Register ensures better tracking of licensed practitioners.

4. Stronger Ethical Oversight

A dedicated ethics board ensures accountability in professional conduct.

5. Government Oversight

Increased involvement of central authorities aims to streamline decision-making and policy implementation.

Impact on Dentists and Students

For Students:

• Improved quality of education and training
• Possible introduction of standardized exit/licensing exams
• More transparency in admissions and seat allocation

For Practitioners:

• Mandatory registration in a national database
• Stricter adherence to ethical standards
• Potential changes in licensing and renewal processes

For Institutions:

• Regular rating-based assessments
• Increased accountability for infrastructure and faculty standards

 Why This Reform Matters

India has seen a rapid expansion in dental colleges over the past few decades. While this improved access to education, it also led to variability in quality. The NDC aims to address these gaps by ensuring that every dental graduate meets a minimum standard of competence.

Dr.Sanjay Tewari has been appointed as the first Chairperson of NDC.

As per the Gazetted Notification, the Dental Council of India stands dissolved with effect from 19th March 2026 and National Dental Commission comes into effect from the same date.

NDC Location is NEWDELHI

 written by,

DR.RENJU T GEORGE,

INDIA

The Oral Microbiome: A New Way to Prevent Gum Disease

The Oral Microbiome: A New Way to Prevent Gum Disease

Your mouth is home to a complex community of more than 700 different types of bacteria, known as the oral microbiome. Most of these bacteria are beneficial and play an important role in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Only a small number are harmful and responsible for gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Harmful bacteria tend to accumulate in dental plaque, especially along the gum line. This leads to gum inflammation, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to chronic periodontitis, a serious condition that can cause gum recession, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss. 

Research has also shown that periodontal bacteria entering the bloodstream may be linked to systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Why Conventional Mouthwashes May Not Be Enough?

Many commonly used oral care products, including alcohol-based mouthwashes and chlorhexidine, are effective at killing harmful bacteria. However, they also destroy beneficial bacteria that are essential for maintaining a healthy oral balance.

After such treatments, the oral microbiome begins to rebuild itself. Unfortunately, harmful bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis often recover faster because they thrive in inflamed gum tissue.

 Beneficial bacteria grow more slowly, allowing the oral microbiome to shift back into an unhealthy state called dysbiosis, which increases the risk of gum disease returning.

A Breakthrough in Microbiome-Friendly Oral Care

Researchers at the Halle branch of the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI) have identified a promising substance that targets harmful periodontal bacteria without affecting beneficial ones.

According to Stephan Schilling, Head of Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy Development at Fraunhofer IZI, this compound—known as guanidinoethylbenzylamino imidazopyridine acetate—does not kill bacteria outright. Instead, it inhibits the growth of disease-causing bacteria, preventing them from releasing harmful toxins. This allows beneficial bacteria to safely occupy spaces in the mouth, helping to naturally restore and maintain a healthy oral microbiome.

A New Generation of Toothpaste

Building on this research, PerioTrap developed a microbiome-friendly toothpaste in collaboration with Fraunhofer IZI and the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (IMWS). The toothpaste is designed specifically to help prevent periodontitis while still providing essential protection against cavities through abrasives and fluoride.

Developing this ingredient was not simple. Scientists had to ensure that the substance was non-toxic, not absorbed into the bloodstream, and did not cause side effects such as tooth discoloration—making it both safe and effective for daily use.

Supporting a Healthy Smile Naturally

This innovative approach represents a shift in oral care—from eliminating all bacteria to supporting a balanced, healthy microbiome. By protecting beneficial bacteria while controlling harmful ones, microbiome-friendly products may offer a gentler and more effective way to prevent gum disease in the long term.

A healthy mouth doesn’t depend on killing bacteria—it depends on keeping them in balance.

Stephan Schilling, Head of Molecular Drug Biochemistry and Therapy Development at the Fraunhofer IZI branch, explains the substance’s specific mode of action. The compound, known as guanidinoethylbenzylamino imidazopyridine acetate, does not simply kill gingivitis-causing bacteria; instead, it suppresses their growth. As a result, these pathogens are unable to exert their toxic effects, allowing beneficial bacteria to colonize niches that would otherwise remain inaccessible. In this way, the the substance helps restore and maintain a healthy balance within the oral microbiome.