In a major reform aimed at improving the quality of dental education and aligning it with global standards, the Government of India has constituted the National Dental Commission (NDC) along with three autonomous boards, replacing the Dental Council of India (DCI).

The Notifications in this regard were issued on 19 March 2026, and the NDC framework comes into effect from the same date.

This historic reform marks a decisive shift towards a regulatory framework that is transparent, quality-driven, and accountable; replacing the earlier elected structure. The Commission will introduce essential and long-overdue regulatory reforms in dental education, and enhance access to affordable oral healthcare across the country.

Distinguished professionals have been appointed to lead the Commission and its boards. To support the functioning of the Commission, three autonomous bodies have been constituted: Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board – to oversee dental education; Dental Assessment and Rating Board – to regulate accreditation and institutional assessment; and Ethics and Dental Registration Board – to govern professional conduct and registration of dentists.

The following appointments to the National Dental Commission and its autonomous boards have been approved: Dr. Sanjay Tewari as Chairperson, National Dental Commission and Dr. Mousumi Goswami, Part-Time Member, National Dental Commission.  

For Undergraduate and Postgraduate Dental Education Board, Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiram as President, Dr. Shailesh Madhav Lele as Whole Time Member and Dr. Nagaraj M. as Part Time Member.

For Dental Assessment and Rating Board, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nanda Kishore Sahoo as President, Dr. Himanshu Aeran – Whole Time Member, and Dr. Parimala Tyagi as Part Time Member.

For Ethics and Dental Registration Board, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Tapas Kumar Bandyopadhyay as Whole Time Member, Dr. Usha Hegde as Whole Time Member, Dr. Swarga Jyoti Das as Part Time Member, and Arindam Modak will head the Secretariat as Secretary to the NDC.

Key Functions of the National Dental Commission include: Frame regulations to implement the provisions of the Act; Conduct rating and assessment of dental institutions; Evaluate human resources and promote dental research; Frame guidelines for fee regulation in private dental colleges; and Establish standards for community dental care, education, research, and professional ethics.

With the coming into force of the NDC Act from 19th March, 2026, the Dentists Act, 1948 stands repealed, and the Dental Council of India is dissolved with effect from the same date.