The Delhi Medical Council (DMC) has clarified that dentists are not qualified to perform aesthetic procedures such as Botox or acne treatments. This statement was issued in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed on October 30, 2024. The council emphasized that practicing such procedures without proper medical qualifications and registration is illegal and can lead to prosecution.
Who Can Perform Aesthetic Procedures?
According to the DMC, only individuals holding an M.B.B.S. degree and registered with the council are authorized to practice modern scientific medicine, also known as allopathy, in Delhi. While highly skilled in oral health care, dentists are not trained or licensed to perform medical aesthetic procedures.
The council further highlighted that practicing allopathy without recognized qualifications and registration violates the Delhi Medical Council Act, 1997. Section 27 of the Act states that anyone falsely assuming the title of a medical practitioner and practicing allopathy is subject to the following:
- Rigorous imprisonment of up to three years
- A fine of up to Rs. 20,000
- Or both
Steps for Filing Complaints
If you come across unqualified individuals practicing modern medicine, the DMC encourages you to file a complaint. Here are the required details:
- Complainant Information: Name, description, and address.
- Details of the Individual: Name, description, and address of the alleged practitioner.
- Supporting Documents: Prescription copies, clinic letter pads, or visiting cards.
Complaints can be sent to:
Delhi Medical Council
Ground Floor, B-Wing, Block-1, DMRC IT Park
Shastri Park, New Delhi-110053
Alternatively, complaints can also be addressed to the Anti-Quackery Cell at:
Directorate General of Health Services
Swasthya Sewa Nideshalaya Bhawan, F-17
Karkardooma, Delhi-110032
Ethical Concerns Raised by the Medical Community
President of the United Doctors’ Front Association (UDFA), shared the RTI response on his social media account. He raised concerns about dentists and other unqualified individuals misleading patients through social media by advertising aesthetic procedures. Dr. Mittal urged people to report such cases to the DMC or the Anti-Quackery Cell to maintain ethical medical practices.
This is not the first time the issue has been raised. Similar concerns were highlighted when a homeopathic practitioner in Haryana was found performing aesthetic surgeries like Botox and fillers. Back in 2022, the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued guidelines restricting aesthetic surgeries to properly trained and licensed medical practitioners.
Guidelines for Aesthetic Procedures
The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC has provided specific guidelines for aesthetic procedures. These include:
- Hair Transplantation: Only MCh/DNB Plastic Surgery or MD/DNB Dermatology practitioners with adequate training in dermatological surgical procedures are eligible.
- Aesthetic Procedures: Only licensed practitioners of modern medicine should perform these procedures.
Protecting Patients and Ethical Practices
The DMC’s clarification aims to protect patients from unqualified practitioners and ensure ethical practices in the field of aesthetic medicine. If you’re considering treatments like Botox or acne solutions, make sure your doctor holds an M.B.B.S. degree and is registered with the Delhi Medical Council.
Unqualified individuals performing these procedures not only mislead patients but also risk their health and safety. By reporting such practices, we can ensure that aesthetic medicine remains a safe and ethical field.
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