What does the NDC advisory warn dentists against?
The advisory says certain dental practitioners and establishments are engaging in potentially unethical promotional activities on social media, including (para 1):
- Recording and broadcasting consultations and dental procedures
- Publishing patient testimonials and before-and-after photographs
- Making misleading treatment claims
- Disseminating inaccurate health information
- Engaging in self-aggrandizing publicity
- Displaying disproportionately large signboards
Which dental regulations does it cite?
In accordance with the applicable statutory provisions and Chapter VI (Unethical Acts), clauses 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3 of the Revised Dentists (Code of Ethics) Regulations, 2014, all registered dental practitioners are advised to strictly adhere to professional ethics governing advertising, patient solicitation, confidentiality, publicity and signage (para 2).
What action can be taken against dentists?
Any established violation may invite appropriate disciplinary action, including a show-cause notice, suspension or removal from the State and National Register of Dentists, as permissible under applicable law (para 3).
The advisory takes effect immediately, subject to the statutory powers of the issuing authority (para 5).
Questions
- Can dentists post before-and-after photos on Instagram?
- The NDC advisory names publishing before-and-after photographs among potentially unethical promotional activities on social media (para 1), and advises all registered dental practitioners to strictly adhere to professional ethics governing advertising, patient solicitation, confidentiality, publicity and signage (para 2).
- Who issued the advisory?
- The Ethics and Dental Registration Board (EDRB) of the National Dental Commission, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, by File No. 2/Advisory/EDRB/NDC/2026/M-2672 dated 14 October 2026.
- When does it take effect?
- Immediately, subject to the statutory powers of the issuing authority (para 5).
Sources
Rules change. Check the latest notice from the National Medical Commission, the National Dental Commission or your State Council before you act.