In a heated and ongoing debate, a serious conflict has emerged between the Telangana Medical Council and the Telangana Dental Council over whether dentists—specifically Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS)—are legally qualified to perform aesthetic surgeries and hair transplant procedures.
🔥 What Sparked the Controversy?
The issue came to public attention following the death of two engineers in Kanpur after undergoing a hair transplant procedure by a dentist. This tragedy sparked widespread concern and led the Telangana Medical Council to issue a public statement declaring that:
“Dentists, dental surgeons, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are not qualified to perform hair transplants and aesthetic procedures.”
They referred to the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines dated 20.09.2022, which specify that only professionals with surgical training—such as MCh/DNB in Plastic Surgery or MD/DNB Dermatology—are eligible to conduct such procedures if covered in their curriculum.
🦷 What the Telangana Dental Council Says
In response, the Telangana Dental Council issued a strong rebuttal, stating that duly registered Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS), trained under the Dental Council of India (DCI) guidelines, are qualified to perform:
- Facial aesthetic procedures
- Hair transplant surgeries
They based their claim on:
- The MDS Course Regulations (3rd Amendment), 2019, published in the Gazette of India.
- DCI communication dated 16.11.2021, affirming the eligibility of OMFS practitioners for aesthetic surgeries.
- A DCI notice on 06.12.2022, which officially issued guidelines for OMFS to practice aesthetic and hair transplant procedures.
🧑⚕️ What Are Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Trained For?
According to the DCI, OMFS professionals are trained to:
- Perform craniofacial surgery, facial trauma, and jaw correction surgeries
- Conduct cleft lip and palate repair, laser surgery, and cryosurgery
- Manage aesthetic conditions like facial skin deformities, post-acne scars, blepharoplasty, facelifts, otoplasty, and even skull base surgeries
- Undertake hair transplant procedures, with training suggested as a part of skill enhancement
This extensive training allows OMFS practitioners to function at the intersection of dentistry and facial surgery, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, many played a key role in the surgical treatment of black fungus (mucormycosis).
⚖️ Legal Dispute and Confusion
This contradiction between the medical and dental councils has created confusion for healthcare professionals and the public.
While the DCI supports OMFS performing aesthetic and hair transplant procedures, the NMC disputes the DCI’s jurisdiction and insists such surgeries fall within the domain of qualified medical professionals only.
The DCI notice from December 2022 is currently under legal challenge in the Bombay High Court. A group of dermatologists under the Dynamic Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Association has filed a PIL, arguing that:
- OMFS surgeons are not qualified to perform such surgeries
- Advertising such services by dentists should be banned
- A government monitoring committee should be formed
🧭 Where Does This Leave the Medical Community?
There is no doubt that training, skill, and safety must remain the top priority in any invasive procedure. However, the lack of unified guidelines from medical and dental councils is causing:
- Regulatory confusion
- Legal disputes
- Public mistrust
- Disruption in clinical practice
This tug of war is not just a bureaucratic battle—it has serious implications for patient safety, medical ethics, and the professional boundaries of healthcare providers.
As this legal battle unfolds, we advise practitioners—whether dental or medical—to:
✅ Follow the guidelines issued by your registering council
✅ Obtain documented consent and maintain transparency with patients
✅ Ensure you have the training, equipment, and backup to handle complications
✅ Stay updated on legal outcomes that may affect your scope of practice
Final Thoughts
This debate raises critical questions about professional identity, regulatory clarity, and patient safety. Whether you’re a dentist, surgeon, or healthcare entrepreneur, the core principle remains: Not harm.
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