Sir, the Kerala state branch of the Indian Dental Association called for a one day dentist strike on 23 July 2012 to protest against the opening of new dental colleges in the state.1 From just two in the year 2000, the number of colleges in Kerala has increased to 23 in 2012.1 In addition, permission has been granted for 11 more dental colleges. In response, the government has agreed to cancel the 'essentiality certificate' granted to the colleges.

The dentist-to-population ratio in the state is currently 1:3,300 whereas the WHO recommended ratio is 1:7,500. The projected ratio in 2020 is 1:1,500 and in 2030 is 1:733. In 2011, over 1,400 students were admitted into the dental colleges of Kerala.2 The private sector remains the major employment provider for these graduates as the total existing job opportunities in government is 243 of which 144 are in government run dental colleges.1

The demand for dental treatment in Kerala is high owing to a low dentist-to-population ratio and increased awareness among the population.

Many dentists prefer to live in urban areas, although some do not practise dentistry.2 The private practice sector in these cities has become saturated whereas the majority of rural populations do not have access to primary dental care.3 This co-existence of plenty and scarcity simultaneously makes it likely that dentist protests like that in Kerala may happen in other parts of India in the near future. Geographic imbalances among the location of dental colleges also contribute to this variation. The number of graduating dental students in India was 26,000 in the year 2000.3 With more than 280 colleges across the country, this number will definitely be higher now.

A moratorium against further opening of dental schools and enhancement of seats should be enforced. Increasing and maintaining the quality rather than quantity should be the priority. Increasing the number of postgraduate places would be desirable. An indiscriminate increase in the number of undergraduate places should be curbed. Along with the currently existing primary medical centres in every district, dental wings should be opened. That will facilitate delivery of primary dental care to rural population, increased oral health awareness and increased employment opportunities for dentists in the government sector which in turn would attract them to work in rural areas.