HomeCover newsDelhi Medical Council Clarifies Dentists Are Not Qualified to Perform Aesthetic Procedures

Delhi Medical Council Clarifies Dentists Are Not Qualified to Perform Aesthetic Procedures

New Delhi: The Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has confirmed that dentists are not qualified to perform aesthetic procedures such as Botox or acne treatments. This clarification came in response to an RTI application filed on October 30, 2024, seeking clarity on the eligibility of dentists for such medical procedures.

In its response dated November 20, 2024, the DMC stated that for a person to practice allopathy in Delhi, they must hold an MBBS degree and be registered with the Council. It emphasized that anyone without the appropriate medical qualifications and registration is liable to prosecution under Section 27 of the Delhi Medical Council Act, 1997.

The DMC’s response also detailed the consequences for practicing allopathy without proper credentials, noting that offenders can face up to three years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹20,000, or both.

The DMC encouraged the public to report any individual performing allopathic procedures without the required qualifications, providing a contact address for complaints. In the RTI reply, it was further mentioned that complaints should include the complainant’s details, the alleged unqualified practitioner’s information, and supporting documents like prescriptions or business cards.

Dr. Lakshya Mittal, President of the United Doctors’ Front Association (UDFA), shared the RTI response on social media, urging the public to report unethical practices, especially those by social media influencers misleading patients.

The UDFA has previously raised concerns about non-medical practitioners, including homeopaths, performing allopathic aesthetic procedures. The National Medical Commission (NMC) had similarly issued guidelines in 2022 restricting such practices to licensed medical practitioners trained in dermatology or plastic surgery.