Dentists across the state are upset as the Dental Council of India (DCI) has made it mandatory for them to attend 20 conferences a year to upgrade their skills and get credit points needed for renewal of their licences.
While the council maintains that the credit system is strictly to enhance knowledge, dentists argue that it’s a money-making tactic.
The dentists have also launched a Facebook campaign to protest against the credit-point system.
“The credit system is a forced decision. The process of learning should be by choice,” said Dr Hemang Sheth, a dentist from Vile Parle. He and his colleagues feel that the credit point system is in favour of private associations and conference organisers.
The credit system was initiated after the Centre asked all state dental councils to make is mandatory for the dentists to accumulate 20 points every year by attending conferences and workshops held across India.
Defending the system, Dr Dilip Pol, member of the state’s DCI, said, “There are various new procedures that dentists need to learn. Attending such workshops and scientific conferences is the only way to upgrade their knowledge.” He added that the credit system is only a form of continuous medical education.
The dentists feel that the DCI should either make the conferences free or charge a nominal fee if they are so keen on upgrading the knowledge.
Dr Poonam Wase of Panvel’s Sparkle White Dental Clinic said, “These conferences are more like trade fares where the main cause is left aside and the platform is used for product launches, advertising etc.”
“If dentists don’t attend such seminars, they will not be able to keep themselves updated with what’s happening in their field. How will they prescribe products until they know which one is the best? Seminars are expensive because we have to get speakers, hire a hall, arrange for food etc,” said IDA General Secretary Dr Ashok Dhoble.
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