India establishes new National Dental Commission
The Government of India has operationalised the National Dental Commission (NDC), bringing into force a new regulatory framework that replaces the long-standing Dental Council of India and marks a major reform in dental education and professional oversight. The new system, effective from March 19, 2026, establishes the NDC as the central authority supported by three autonomous boards responsible for dental education, institutional assessment and professional ethics and registration. The reform aims to create a more transparent, accountable and quality-driven regulatory structure, addressing previous concerns about uneven standards and inefficiencies while aligning India’s dental education and practice with global benchmarks. The commission will set standards, assess institutions, promote research and regulate professional conduct, with the broader goal of improving the quality of dental training and expanding access to affordable oral healthcare.