Dental surgeons await regularisation

Srinagar, Apr 6: The healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir continues to face structural gaps, with the prolonged delay in recruitment of dental surgeons emerging as a major concern for both professionals and patients.

Despite a steady rise in the number of dental graduates passing out from institutions within and outside J&K every year, there has been no sustained or structured recruitment drive since 2008.

The absence of a clear policy framework has left thousands of qualified dental surgeons in a state of uncertainty, raising serious questions over the government’s approach to oral healthcare.

According to representatives of dental professionals, more than 7000 dental surgeons have been awaiting recruitment for the past 17 years.

Of these, nearly 1000 candidates have already crossed the upper age limit for government jobs, effectively ending their chances of entering public service.

Stakeholders described the situation as a “grave injustice,” pointing out that a student who joins the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme at around 19 years of age completes the degree after nearly five-and-a-half years, reaching approximately 24 years. “After that, waiting for over 17 years for recruitment pushes many beyond the permissible age limit, shattering their professional aspirations,” they said.

Officials have, over the years, issued repeated assurances regarding the filling of vacancies.

However, these announcements have largely remained confined to statements, with little progress on the ground.

The lack of timelines and actionable plans, stakeholders say, reflects a deeper issue of administrative inaction.

Adding to the concern is the reported delay in movement of official files related to the creation of posts.

A proposal under dispatch order number HD/Plan/80/24-25 has allegedly been moving between the Directorate of Health Services and the Finance Department for years without final approval.

Delegations of unemployed dental surgeons have met the Chief Minister, Health Minister, and senior officials of the Health and Finance Departments on multiple occasions. However, they claim that these engagements have resulted only in assurances, with no concrete steps taken toward the creation of posts or initiation of recruitment.

The impact of this delay is being felt beyond employment concerns.

A large number of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) across J&K continue to operate without dental surgeons, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.

This has resulted in limited access to basic oral healthcare services for a significant section of the population.

Patients are often forced to travel to district hospitals or urban centres for treatment, while some rely on unqualified practitioners, increasing the risk of complications. Preventive dental care remains largely absent at the grassroots level, further compounding the public health burden.

Healthcare experts note that the shortage of dental professionals also places additional pressure on those currently employed in government hospitals.

“Existing staff are overstretched, managing heavy patient inflow with limited infrastructure,” an official source said, adding that this affects both service quality and workforce sustainability.

The continued delay in addressing the issue has sparked concerns over policy priorities in the health sector.

Observers argue that oral healthcare has not received due attention in broader planning, despite its significance in overall health outcomes.

“There is a need for a transparent and time-bound recruitment policy specifically for dental surgeons,” said a senior health analyst, stressing that vacancies must be identified and filled on priority, particularly in underserved areas.

Calls have also been made for greater institutional accountability to ensure that public assurances translate into measurable outcomes.

Stakeholders warn that the repeated cycle of promises without delivery has eroded trust among professionals.

With unemployment rising among trained dental surgeons and gaps persisting in service delivery, experts believe that immediate intervention is necessary.

They maintain that strengthening healthcare infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach that includes all essential disciplines, including dentistry.

As concerns mount, attention is now on the government to take concrete steps to address the issue, with many hoping that long-pending recruitment will finally move from assurance to implementation.