Dentists demand crackdown on illegal practitioners and expansion of public dental services
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The Doctors’ Movement for Justice (DMJ)–BDS Wing has launched a nationwide campaign to eliminate the illegal practice of dentistry by non-qualified technicians, demanding a standardized, regulated approach to oral healthcare across Bangladesh. During a press conference at the National Press Club on Wednesday, the organization called for immediate government intervention to shut down unauthorized dental chambers, asserting that such practices violate the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council Act of 2010.
The organization’s leadership expressed grave concern over the increasing public health risks posed by dental technologists performing clinical procedures. Dr. Md. Saiful Islam, central coordinator of the DMJ–BDS Wing, emphasized that the scope of practice for dental technologists is strictly confined to technical support. He clarified that these individuals possess no legal authority to perform diagnoses, develop treatment plans, conduct surgeries, perform extractions, administer root canal treatments, or issue prescriptions. Despite a recent Supreme Court ruling prohibiting such activities, practitioners continue to operate illegally across the country, causing significant medical complications for unsuspecting patients.
To address the systemic gaps in care, the organization has urged the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC), district administrations, and law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce legal statutes against unauthorized providers. They are advocating for the development of clear, enforceable guidelines for operating dental clinics to ensure patient safety and professional accountability.
Furthermore, the DMJ–BDS Wing identified a critical shortage of public dental services, noting that a majority of sub-district (upazila) health complexes currently lack the facilities to provide professional oral care. The organization has formally requested the establishment of fully equipped, modern dental centers at every upazila health complex and district hospital, to be managed by BCS (BDS) cadre doctors.
The proposed expansion aims to institutionalize high-quality specialized care, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. By integrating these services into the public health infrastructure, the DMJ–BDS Wing argues that the government can bridge the current accessibility gap while simultaneously protecting citizens from the dangers of unlicensed and unregulated dental intervention.
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