The selection of part‑time members of the National Dental Commission and its autonomous boards was made through a draw‑of‑lot.

The National Dental Commission (NDC) was constituted under the National Dental Commission Act passed in 2023, with the primary objective of advancing standards of dental health services, education, and research in India and establishing a regulatory framework. Under this Act, several autonomous boards were also established alongside the Commission, playing a key role in accrediting dental education institutions, issuing practice licenses, and monitoring professional ethics. To balance the workload of these bodies and incorporate diverse expertise, the appointment of part‑time members was made mandatory.

In this context, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Punya Salila Shrivastav, selected part‑time members through a draw‑of‑lot process in accordance with the procedure specified in the Act. The selection process included various dental specialists, academicians, and researchers, ensuring a multidimensional perspective in the Commission’s work. The selected members will contribute to various committees of the Commission and autonomous boards based on their established expertise in their respective fields, thereby strengthening the quality of dental education, regulatory compliance, and public health policies.

This step is regarded as part of the government’s broader health‑care reform initiative, aiming to establish a coherent and transparent regulatory mechanism at the national level with dental health as a priority. After selecting the part‑time members, the Commission has proposed preparing a strategic plan for the forthcoming term and establishing coordination with various stakeholders, thereby ensuring innovation and quality in the dental health sector.