The Union Health Ministry has clarified that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are permitted to perform certain aesthetic surgical procedures and hair restoration treatments, as long as these procedures are limited to the cranio maxillofacial region. The clarification was made in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel, addressing ongoing questions about the legal scope of practice for these specialists.
Anupriya patel stated that, “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons who undergo training under the Dental Council of India’s MDS Course Regulations, 2017 are permitted to perform aesthetic surgical procedures and selected hair-restoration procedures limited strictly to the cranio-maxillofacial region,” Patel stated. “OMFS specialists receive extensive training as part of their approved and recognised postgraduate curriculum.”
This recognised curriculum equips them to manage surgical, reconstructive, and aesthetic procedures involving the head, face, jaw, and related structures. Based on this training, the government permits them to perform aesthetic surgery and selected hair restoration procedures within this defined anatomical area.
The clarification came in response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha Member Vivek K Tankha. He asked whether dentists trained in oral and maxillofacial surgery are allowed to perform aesthetic and hair restoration procedures that are often associated with dermatology or other medical specialties. He also sought to know whether such permissions exceed the statutory mandate of the Dental Council of India or conflict with the National Medical Commission Act of 2019.
Responding to these concerns, the Health Minister said the Dental Council of India and the National Medical Commission function within clearly demarcated legal boundaries. She explained that the Dental Council regulates dental and oral surgical education, while the National Medical Commission oversees medical education and practice. According to the government, the roles of these bodies complement each other and do not overlap in a way that compromises patient safety.
The Health Ministry stressed that the permission granted to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons does not extend beyond the cranio maxillofacial region. Procedures outside this area are not included in their scope of practice. This restriction, the minister said, ensures clarity, accountability, and patient safety.
The minister also referred to National Medical Commission guidelines issued in September 2022 on aesthetic and hair restoration procedures. These guidelines state that such procedures are not emergency surgeries and should be performed only by practitioners who have formal surgical training and relevant clinical expertise. The guidelines emphasise proper patient evaluation, surgical competence, post procedure care, and the ability to manage complications.
The Health Minister informed the House that the National Medical Commission has not received any complaints regarding unqualified or unregistered individuals performing aesthetic dermatology or laser procedures in the country. This statement was made to reassure lawmakers that existing regulatory mechanisms are currently effective.
(Rh/ARC)
