The Dental Council of India (DCI) has ruled out any increase in the fee amount for the Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) programme, stating that the apprehension of the parents and students are baseless. The worry over the possible increase in the fee had arisen as the government had restructured the course duration into 5 years.

Addressing the 61st Indian Dental Conference, held under the aegis of Indian Dental Association here on Friday, DCI President Brigadier Dr Anil Kohli said the existing fee amount for the 4 year BDS programme would continue for the new integrated programme, hence doubts over the possible burden on parents were unnecessary. The fee fixed for the 4-year programme itself will be restructured without any hike. The yearly fee will be Rs 1.84 lakh instead of the present Rs 2.3 lakh, he clarified.

He also said the Council had recommended the government that the minimum salary of the faculty in any dental education institute should not be less than Rs 15,000 per month, while the interns should not get less than Rs 3,000 per month.

Dr Kohli said the DCI had also urged the government to make a dentist’s post mandatory in all primary health centres, in order to increase job opportunities for the dental graduates.

He also expressed his pleasure over the significance the oral health sector going to receive in the 11th Five-Year Plan. For the first time the government has reserved Rs 40 crore for oral health, he added.

The DCI has arranged academic exchange programme with Boston University as per which 20 selected dental students from across India would get a chance to spend three weeks in the University. This is going to be a regular feature, Dr Kohli said.

Manipal University Pro-Chancellor Dr H S Ballal, Corporation Bank Chairman and Managing Director B Sambamurthy were present on the occasion.