Sindh Healthcare Commission outlines dentist registration and licensing process

KARACHI: The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) has provided clear guidelines for the registration and licensing process of dental establishments in Sindh. In a letter dated 21st April 2025, Dr. Zainab Hasan, Director of Clinical Governance & Training at SHCC, addressed Dr. Feroz Jahangir, General Secretary of the Pakistan Dental Association – Karachi, outlining the mandatory registration requirements under the SHCC Act 2013. This step-by-step process aims to ensure that dental services in the province meet the required standards for quality and safety.

Registration and licensing requirements under the SHCC Act 2013

The SHCC emphasizes that registration for dental establishments is mandatory under Section 13 (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and Section 14 (1), (2) of the SHCC Act 2013. The guidelines provide a clear pathway for dental facilities to obtain the necessary licenses and ensure compliance with regulations designed to improve healthcare services in Sindh.

Step-by-step process for dentist registration and licensing

Apply for registration and provisional license: The first step in the process is for the dental facility to apply for registration and a provisional license.

Provisional license awarded: After the facility undergoes physical verification, it will be awarded a provisional license. This is an essential step in establishing the legitimacy of the dental practice.

Facility trained on MSDS for dental services: The next step involves providing training on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for dental services to ensure that the facility meets safety and operational standards.

Apply for regular license after MSDS training: Once the facility has received MSDS training, it can apply for a regular license.

Regular license inspection: The final step involves an inspection by the Health Care Establishment (HCE). If the facility meets more than 90% of the notified standards and there are no critical issues found, a regular license is issued, valid for five years.

How to apply for registration and licensing

To begin the application process, dental establishments need to download the required forms for registration, provisional license, regular license, and challan from the SHCC website here. The completed forms must then be submitted to the SHCC’s regional or head office, along with the necessary fee challan.

Dr. Zainab Hasan has urged all dental establishments to complete these steps to ensure they are compliant with regulatory standards, thereby improving the quality of dental care in the region.

Conclusion

The Sindh Healthcare Commission’s guidelines provide a comprehensive framework to ensure that dental services in Sindh maintain high standards of quality and safety. By following the outlined registration and licensing process, dental facilities can ensure they meet the regulatory requirements necessary for practicing in the region. This is a crucial step in enhancing public trust and ensuring that dental care meets the needs of the community.