Page 72 - DP Vol 20 No 4 HR

NEWS

BOMBAY HIGH COURT ISSUES NOTICE ON PIL SEEKING
Government bans 156 medicines ACTION AGAINST DENTAL PRACTITIONERS FOR
including antibiotics and painkillers
PERFORMING HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGERIES

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding public health, the
Indian government has banned 156 fixed-dose combination (FDC) The Bombay High Court has issued a notice on a Public Interest
drugs, including a variety of antibiotics and painkillers routinely Litigation (PIL) petition, which seeks action against the Oral and
prescribed by dentists also. The ban list includes “Aceclofenac Maxillofacial Surgeons performing Aesthetic and Hair Transplant
50mg + Paracetamol 125mg tablet.” This is one of the popular surgeries. A division bench issued notice to the respondents to the
combinations of pain-relieving medicines manufactured by petition after it was informed that the National Dental Commission
leading pharmaceutical companies. The list also includes of India (NDCI) as mandated under the National Dental Commission
Mefenamic Acid + Act, 2023, has not yet
Paracetamol Injection, been constituted by the
and the combination of Central Government. The
Paracetamol, Tramadol, petitioners - Dynamic
Taurine and Caffeine
as well as Paracetamol Dermatologist and Hair
+ Phenylephrine Transplant Association
Hydrochloride + filed a PIL petition
Chlorpheniramine challenging the guidelines
Maleate. issued by the Dental Council of India (DCI) on December 6, 2022,
The Central government is satisfied that the use of these permitting the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons to practice Aesthetic
Fixed Dose Combination drugs is likely to involve risk to human and Hair Transplant surgery. The PIL raises concerns over the growing
beings whereas safer alternatives to the said drug are available,” number of complaints from dermatologists, hair transplant surgeons,
as per the notification. It said that the matter was examined by and the public regarding dental practitioners engaging in these
an Expert Committee appointed by the Centre, which considered specialised fields without adequate expertise. The petitioner therefore
these FDCs as “irrational”. The ban is expected to impact major has sought a direction to the concerned authorities to withdraw the
pharmaceutical companies, including Sun Pharmaceuticals,
Cipla, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, and December 6, 2022 guidelines. The plea also seeks action against dental
Alkem Laboratories. practitioners, who are putting up advertisements for performing hair
transplants.

FMS Dental launches Neuromuscular Dentistry speciality

Hyderabad-based FMS Dental has introduced a speciality in
neuromuscular dentistry. Neuromuscular Dentistry not only involves
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and jaw movement issues
but also includes orofacial pain (OFP) disorders like neuropathic and
neurovascular pain disorders, headaches and sleep disorders.
Dr Parthasarathi Reddy, Founder and Chairman, FMS Dental
Hospitals said, “Neuromuscular dentistry is a relatively new field in
dentistry, in which our dedicated, well trained and highly experienced
team, excel. Our team has received international training and has
accumulated extensive experience over many years, positioning them
at the forefront of treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
and orofacial pain. Through their commitment and expertise, our
team has developed and refined proven treatment protocols that have
already benefited hundreds of patients.”
Symptoms of OFP can vary widely, encompassing headaches, neck to diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders of the face. EMG
pain, ear pain, dental discomfort, facial burning or stabbing sensations sensors, jaw tracker, BioJVA (Joint Vibrational Analysis), Ultra Low-
and jaw pain. Additionally, atypical symptoms such as tinnitus (ringing Frequency TENS unit, ultrasound therapy and low-level laser therapy
in the ears), dizziness, muscle incoordination or unusual itching and are used to detect and treat neuromuscular disorders. The T-Scan
tingling in the head and neck may also occur. system provides detailed dynamic occlusal measurements, assessing
At FMS Dental, advanced technologies and techniques are utilized force distribution on individual teeth and overall bite stability.

72 Dental Practice I July-August 2024 I Vol 20 No 4