Diploma dentists lose private practice right

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday scrapped a High Court judgment that had permitted diploma holders in dental technology, known as dental technologists, to independently examine patients and prescribe medicines.

The Appellate Division bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury delivered the verdict following an appeal filed by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) against the earlier High Court ruling. 

Senior Advocates Mostafizur Rahman Khan and Kazi Ershadul Alam represented BMDC, while Senior Advocate Ahsanul Karim and Barrister Md Anwar Hossein appeared for dental surgeons. Senior Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir and Advocate Syeda Nasrin represented the writ petitioner, Bangladesh Dental Parishad.

Later Ahsanul Karim told The Daily Observer that the apex court’s judgment completely cancels the High Court’s decision, meaning dental technologists or assistants can no longer engage in independent private practice, establish their own chambers, examine patients, or prescribe medicines. They may only work under the supervision of registered dental surgeons.

The writ petition had been filed by Kamal Hossain, then organising secretary of Bangladesh Dental Parishad, seeking authority for diploma holders to examine patients, prescribe medicines, and obtain BMDC registration. On June 13, 2016, the High Court directed BMDC to register diploma graduates and issued 10 directives, including authorising them to examine patients and prescribe medicines.