Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: Unlicensed dental laboratories continue to flourish across Kashmir, posing a serious health risk to patients as they operate without regulation, proper sterilization, or qualified professionals.
Nearly a month after authorities cracked down on unauthorized dental laboratories in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, demands for similar action are rising in other districts.
According to certified practitioners, these illegal Labs are run by unqualified individuals using substandard materials, leaving patients vulnerable to infections, gum diseases, and long-term oral health issues.
For instance, over two dozen such laboratories operate in Srinagar alone, catering to hundreds of patients drawn by lower costs. “They lack expertise and use poor-quality materials, putting patients at risk of diseases like Hepatitis C,” Gulshan Mohammad, president of the Dental Mechanics Association in Srinagar, said.
He acknowledged the administration’s efforts in Pulwama but urged authorities to extend the crackdown to other districts, especially Srinagar. “We have raised this issue multiple times, but no action has been taken, particularly in Srinagar, where illegal labs are more prevalent,” he added.
Another certified practitioner pointed out that many of these illegal services are run by outsiders, harming public health and threatening the livelihoods of qualified professionals. “This lowers the overall quality of dental care and creates mistrust among patients. There is no concept of hygiene in these labs,” he said.
Health experts warn that if immediate steps are not taken, the situation could worsen, leading to a severe decline in dental healthcare across the valley. They urge the Government to act decisively against unregulated dental practices and ensure only qualified professionals provide services.
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