Delegation of dental surgeons calls on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Nov 7: A delegation of Dental Surgeon Association of Jammu and Kashmir called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and urged his government’s immediate intervention saying that the dental surgeons across J&K continue to struggle with an ongoing employment crisis.

A statement of the Dental Surgeon Association of J&K issued here said that despite years of rigorous academic and professional training, these qualified professionals remain without job opportunities, leading to widespread psychological distress among them.

During the meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, President of the Dental Surgeon Association J&K, Dr Imtiyaz Mantoo outlined the dire situation faced by thousands of dental surgeons in the region.

Highlighting the lack of employment avenues over the past 16 years, Dr Mantoo emphasised the growing frustration among professionals who have invested years in training but remain unable to offer their expertise to the State.

“In 2008, dental surgeons were integrated into hospitals as part of realignment in the healthcare system, but since then, there has been a total lack of job advertisements or opportunities for dental surgeons,” Dr Mantoo said briefing the CM. “This prolonged job drought has left many professionals unable to contribute to the healthcare system, despite their qualifications and experience.”

The Dental Surgeon Association of J&K said that the number of trained dental surgeons in Jammu and Kashmir continues to rise each year, exacerbating the unemployment crisis. It said that over 200 students graduate annually from the two government dental colleges and a private dental college within J&K, while many others complete their education at institutions outside J&K.

The association said that presently, there are approximately 7000 dental surgeons in J&K, with nearly 1000 having surpassed the age limit for public sector employment. It said that each year, around 200 new graduates enter the workforce, further intensifying the demand for job creation within the sector.

The growing pool of qualified professionals spurred the Dental Surgeon Association of J&K to call for urgent policy reforms.

“The need for new employment policies is urgent,” Dr Mantoo said. “We need the government to recognise the growing demand for dental services and take immediate steps to create employment opportunities in the sector.”

The statement said during the meeting, the CM expressed his commitment to addressing the employment concerns of dental professionals.