THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Setting the stage for registering dental clinics, Kerala State Dental Council (KDC) has come out with two separate registration forms for dental clinic and dental laboratory. As per the format of application for registration of dental clinic, along with the name, address and ownership status of the clinic, an applicant will have to mention his/her dental educational qualifications, registration status with the council, details of other licenses/ permission obtained from other authorities.
In case of registration for laboratory, an applicant will have to mention the number of dental mechanics employed in the lab, number of dental mechanics registered with KDC and number of dentists employed, among others.In January, the government made it mandatory for dental clinics and labs to register with the Kerala State Dental Council (KDC). It was then stated that the stipulation will not only bring transparency among dental health care providers but also ensure patient safety by minimising medication errors.
However, the Indian Dental Association (IDA)- Kerala has come up in arms against the proposed move.
“Nowadays dental clinics and labs have become a thriving business in the state. With the government receiving a slew of complaints regarding presence of quacks in the field, it is high time for intervention to bring transparency in this sector,” said an officer with the Health Department.
According to him it was the KDC
Registrar who first approached the government with such a demand. After going through the request, the government in January came out with an administrative order, making it mandatory for those who wish to open dental clinics and labs to secure the consent of KDC in addition to meeting other prerequisites.
“The Registrar, stressing the need for government-level intervention in the sector, sent two letters to the government in August and October 2017,” said an officer with the Health Department“A decision was taken to introduce the new mandate. While coming out with an order in this regard, the KDC was asked to produce the registration forms for the same,” adds the officer.
IDA up in arms against decision
T’Puram: IDA Kerala secretary Dr Suresh Kumar G termed the move unwarranted as the proposed Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) legislation will meet the requirement. “The new mandate will only help to complicate the registration process. At present one will have to approach the local body concerned, ensure waste management by entering into an agreement with the IMA’s waste treatment plant at Palakkad and register with the State Pollution Control Board. With such mechanisms in place, what’s the need for registration with KDA,” said Suresh.