Dermatologist Claims 'Dentists are not Doctors', strokes controversy

Hyderabad: The Dental students and surgeons have urged the Telangana State Dental Council, Hyderabad, to take action against the alleged defamatory remarks made on the dental profession by a dermatologist during an interview aired on a YouTube channel.

It has been alleged that the concerned dermatologist called dentists "fake doctors" and claimed that "dentists are not doctors". Urging the State Dental Council to take cognisance of the matter and initiate appropriate action against the concerned dermatologist and YouTube, All India Dental Students & Surgeons Association (AIDSA) further requested the Council to send a strong message that any attempt to demean the profession would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, after a controversy erupted over the video in question, the dermatologist unconditionally apologised and informed that the said video clip has now been retracted.

AIDSA's communication addressed to the Registrar of State dental council on 06.05.2025 stated, "We, the All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association (AIDSA), strongly condemn the recent defamatory and derogatory remarks made by Mrs. ***, a fitness instructor, and Dr. ***, a dermatologist, during an interview aired on a YouTube channel. In the said video, the individuals irresponsibly mocked the dental profession by calling dentists "fake doctors" and asserting that "dentists are not doctors."

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"Such baseless and offensive statements not only mislead the general public but also seriously undermine the dignity, credibility, and professional status of the dental community. These remarks amount to professional misconduct and are a direct insult to thousands of qualified dental practitioners across the country," the letter by AIDSA added.

"We respectfully request the Telangana State Dental Council to take cognizance of this issue and initiate appropriate action against the concerned dermatologist and the platform involved, in accordance with ethical and legal provisions. We also urge the council to send a strong message that any attempt to demean the dental profession will not be tolerated," it further mentioned.

Following AIDSA's complaint to the Council, the dermatologist made an "unconditional apology" to all the dentists who were offended by the earlier media clip. She claimed that the video clip was taken out of context from a 55-minute-lon ideo, which was made to spread awareness against quackery.

Calling it unfortunate, she further clarified that "In India, dentists have always been known as dental surgeons and dental doctors and the offensive clip has been retracted. You will not find it on YouTube." She also urged the dentists to understand the motif behind the controversial video.

Sharing the apology video of the dermatologist, AIDSA wrote, "Following our formal complaint regarding the defamatory remarks against the dental profession, necessary discussions were held and the gravity of the issue was acknowledged by the concerned individuals. Based on senior dentists' suggestions, it was agreed that a public apology would be issued."

"Initially, a joint apology video was scheduled to be recorded at 12:00 PM on 7th May 2025 with Mrs. **** and Dr. *** at the studio. However, considering the time needed for recording and editing, we decided to cancel the 12 PM slot and proceed with making and releasing the video earlier," AIDSA further wrote.

"Dr. *** has issued an unconditional video apology, sincerely expressing regret for the remarks made. Furthermore, she has also assured us that a written apology letter will be submitted to reinforce her acknowledgement and respect towards the dental community," AIDSA's Instagram post further read.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported on the legal battle between the dentists and dermatologists regarding the eligibility to perform aesthetic surgeries. Issuing the guidelines for the practice of Aesthetic & Hair Transplant procedures for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, DCI back in 2022 mentioned that these procedures can be undertaken by Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons registered with any State Dental Council in India.

These DCI guidelines were challenged by a group of dermatologists under the Dynamic Dermatologist and Hair Transplant Association, who claimed that Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are not 'qualified' to perform Aesthetic and Hair Transplant Surgery and a PIL was filed in this regard before the Bombay High Court.

Also Read: Can Dentists Perform Aesthetic Procedures? Here's What NMC, DCI Say