New Delhi, February 16, 2026:
A significant initiative has been set in motion at the central government level towards implementing a dedicated and independent insurance policy for the dental sector in India. Taking cognizance of the persistent efforts of Dr. Aaditya Patakrao—member of the Indian Dental Association and a contributor to various central government advisory committees—the Dental Council of India (DCI) has issued an official communication to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), requesting necessary action in this regard.
Against the backdrop of rising dental treatment costs, increasing financial burden on common citizens, and limited insurance coverage for oral healthcare, Dr. Patakrao met Om Birla in 2024 to emphasize the urgent need for a separate dental insurance framework. Following this meeting, the matter gained momentum at the national level, and follow-up actions were initiated with the concerned ministries and regulatory authorities.
On September 15, 2025, Dr. Aaditya Patakrao formally submitted a representation to the Government of India regarding dental insurance. Subsequently, on November 10, 2025, the central government referred the matter to the Dental Council of India for further action. On January 8, 2026, DCI’s “Act and Regulation Subcommittee” discussed the proposal in detail and recommended it positively. Thereafter, on January 21, 2026, the Executive Committee of DCI formally approved the recommendation.
Following these developments, on February 16, 2026, under dispatch number No. DCI/ARPM/Regulation/Gen/Gen/130/2025-26/2026/10208, Dr. Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary of the Dental Council of India, sent an official letter to Mr. Ajay Seth, Chairman of IRDAI, requesting positive action toward developing a dedicated insurance policy for dental treatments. This step is expected to pave the way for insurance companies to design specialized health insurance products covering dental procedures.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Aaditya Patakrao stated:
“The initiative that began in 2024 under the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ji has now reached a crucial milestone. Insurance protection for expensive dental treatments such as root canals, implants, and other advanced procedures is the need of the hour for common citizens.
Dental caries (tooth decay) is considered the most common disease in the world. Therefore, maintaining oral health is extremely important. If timely treatment is not undertaken, decay can progress, causing pain and potentially leading to severe infections. Recent research has also established that bacterial infections in the mouth, dental caries, and gum pathogens are not confined to the oral cavity alone; they may indirectly impact other organs of the body. Gum diseases and oral infections have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory illnesses, and certain pregnancy-related complications. Hence, regular brushing, flossing, periodic dental check-ups, and maintaining oral hygiene are equally important for overall systemic health. The concept of ‘Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body’ is becoming increasingly evident.
This move toward dental insurance coverage will enhance awareness about oral health and provide financial relief to patients.”
According to experts, the introduction of a separate dental insurance policy would make costly treatments more accessible to the middle class. Insurance coverage is also likely to encourage patients to seek timely treatment, thereby significantly improving the overall dental health of the nation. Additionally, it will enable dental professionals to expand the scope of treatment and adopt modern technologies more effectively.
In the healthcare sector—particularly in dentistry—this decision is being viewed as strategically significant. It is considered a historic step toward building a more inclusive and comprehensive health insurance system in the future.
