Unemployed dental surgeons forced to look at banks, elsewhere for jobs

Srinagar, Dec 05: The state government has not advertised vacant Dental Surgeon positions since 2009, leaving the fresh graduates in a fix.
In 2009, there was ‘realignment and rationalisation’ done in the healthcare system, leading to induction of Dental Surgeons into various hospitals.
Since then, no recruitment of qualified dental surgeons has taken place in the state, where two government and one private dental colleges produce 200 graduates every year.
In addition, a number of dental surgeons return to the state with degrees earned outside.
Waseem Ahmad (name changed), who did his post-graduation from a renowned college in Pune, said, “After post-graduation, we end up with the same career choice as an undergraduate, because of the lack of job opportunities and survival-of-the-fittest competition.”
“There seems absolutely no regulation by the dental council to limit the number of dental graduates and the level of unemployment increases because supply surpasses the demand.”
Aadil Ahmad (name changed) completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Himachal Institute of Dental Sciences some years ago.
After unsuccessfully looking for a job in the valley-based hospitals for over three years, he began preparations for the post of a Probationary Officer in J&K Bank.
His parents spent almost Rs 12 lakh on the course, which they could have saved had he sat for the exam right after graduating from any college.
Adil lamented, “I am a 2015 pass-out, and I am seeking a job since then. In addition to this, I have been trying to appear in various exams.”
“The unemployment leads the pass-outs to either open their private clinics or go out of profession by joining the pharma companies or tourism industry.”
An official at the Srinagar Dental College said, “The authorities should include the dental surgeons under NHRM and RMSY schemes for taking oral health to the poor.”
“The problem has been compounded by poor state response, meagre GDP spent on our health sector, unorganised health care facilities and services, poor workplace planning, and allocation of professionals at grassroots levels. Intensive oral health care is needed.”
Principal Secretary Department of Health Education, Atal Dullo, was unavailable for comments.