‘Dentists are not qualified to treat scalp and hair problems’

While dentists are foraying into cosmetic procedures, dermatologists and venereologists have decided to combat and legally oppose such practices and also make patients aware about the importance of seeking treatment from the right specialist

Hyderabad: With dentists in Hyderabad and elsewhere making a foray into cosmetic procedures, especially exploring and providing treatments to patients struggling with hair loss and scalp problems, dermatologists and venereologists have decided to combat and legally oppose such practices and also make patients aware about the importance of seeking treatment from the right specialist.

“Hair transplantation is a popular treatment which can be performed safely and effectively by trained dermatologists and plastic surgeons. It can be avoided or delayed by starting effective medications by consulting a dermatologist who is the true trichologist. An online course or even an in-person training undertaken by someone with a dental qualification or even an MBBS does not make them “trichologists” who are qualified to treat scalp and hair problems,” says Chairperson of Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and dermatologists (IADVL) (anti-quackery, legal and ethics committee), Dr Rajetha Damisetty.

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In the last few years, in a worrying sign that has become a challenge for dental education and dentistry as a profession, the traditional dentists in Hyderabad and even other urban metros of India, have started transforming themselves into cosmetic dentists, facial aesthetic specialists and hair transplant and treatment experts, with no cap on how much they can charge from patients.

However, dermatologists here have maintained that such practices are unethical and do not, in any way, benefit the patients.

Dr Rajetha pointed out that IADVL, the apex body representing dermatologists in India, is striving hard to combat quackery.

“There are ongoing PILs in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh High Courts regarding this, particularly regarding preventing dentists from performing hair and skin treatments and hair transplantation. A PIL in Telangana High Court by IADVL Telangana branch is in the offing,” Dr Rajetha Damisetty added.