'Practical training must for dental students'

“The present system of five-year classroom education for BDS is not in the best interests of students. The course leaves a student short on practical training. This leads to lack of self-confidence in the fresh graduates when they step out into the field for practice,” RGUHS Vice-Chancellor Dr S Ramananda Shetty said.

He was speaking at a consultative workshop on “Restructuring BDS Regulations, 2008,” in the City on Monday.

Shetty urged the Government to revert to the 4+1 scheme. According to him, the new scheme has not only created confusion among students and parents, but also led to many problems in the fee structure.

Besides, the retirement age of lecturers in dentistry should be raised to 70 years, on the lines of medical streams. “The move would prevent the teachers from seeking greener pastures after retirement,” Shetty added.

Old scheme favoured

Dibyendu Majumdar, the chairman of the Dental Council of India, said 99 per cent people who participated in the signature campaign taken out across the country favoured the old scheme.

Also, 62 out of 63 DCI members support the 4+1 system. Majumdar said the DCI was authorised to derecognise colleges which lack proper infrastructure.