New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed a legislation which does away with mandatory representation of practising dentists without proper qualification in the Dentist Councils at different levels. Speaking on the Dentist (Amendment) Bill, 2019, health minister Harsh Vardhan said the government was taking a host of steps to improve awareness of oral health in the country.

He said the amendment aims to remove the word ‘mandatory’ and the bill was neither against nor in favour of anyone. “It seeks to do away with the aberration”.

The Dentists Act 1948 provided for representation of dentists registered under Part B, which include persons not holding such qualifications but are engaged in practice of dentistry as principal means of livelihood for a period not less than five years prior to the date appointed under section 32 of the Act, in the Co-uncils. However, no person was registered under Part B after 1972, said the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill.

It further said that there are approximately 950 dentists registered in Part B and 2.7 lakh dentists in Part A, (consisting of dentists possessing recognised dental qualifications). Replying to the debate on the bill, Harsh Vardhan asked the members to spread awareness about the oral health and educate people about the harmful effects of tobacco on health.

The Bill, which was passed by a voice vote, got support from all sections of the House cutting across party line.