New Delhi: The National Dental Commission (NDC) has clarified that Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) students are not required to transfer their State Dental Council registration to the state where they are pursuing postgraduate studies.

In a public notice, the Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB) of the NDC stated that it had received several representations from students admitted to MDS programmes who were being asked by institutions to obtain registration with the State Dental Council where their college is located. The Commission clarified that there is no legal requirement under the National Dental Commission Act, 2023 for students to transfer their registration solely for pursuing an MDS course.

According to the advisory, a valid registration granted by any State Dental Council remains sufficient for academic training, clinical work, examinations, and other educational activities during the MDS programme, subject to institutional regulations.

The Commission has advised universities and dental colleges offering MDS programmes not to insist on transferring State Dental Council registration as a condition for admission. It also recommended that institutions verify the validity of a student's existing registration through the concerned State Dental Council or the National Register for Dentists whenever necessary.

The clarification aims to reduce unnecessary administrative procedures for postgraduate dental students while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the National Dental Commission Act.