Shimla, April 29: In a significant development, the Government of India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has constituted the Dental Advisory Council under the provisions of the National Dental Commission Act, 2023, through a notification dated April 20, 2026.
Bringing pride to Himachal Pradesh, Dr Yogesh Bhardwaj, Principal of Government Dental College & Hospital, Shimla, has been nominated as a member of the prestigious national body under the State Nominee category.
A senior academician and clinician, Dr Bhardwaj has earlier served as Vice Principal-cum-Professor and Head of the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. He is widely recognised for his contributions to dental education, clinical services and academic administration.
Dr Bhardwaj has also been associated as an international faculty member with AOCMF, a Switzerland-based global association of head and neck surgeons, for over nine years. Over the years, he has delivered lectures at several national and international conferences and has more than 40 keynote addresses to his credit. He has also published multiple research papers in reputed journals of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Expressing gratitude over his nomination, Dr Bhardwaj thanked the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh for reposing faith in him. He said he would discharge his responsibilities with sincerity and work towards strengthening dental education, research and oral healthcare initiatives.
He further stated that he would effectively represent Himachal Pradesh at the national level and contribute to policymaking and the advancement of dental services in the country.
The inclusion of a representative from Himachal Pradesh in the Dental Advisory Council is expected to strengthen the state’s participation in national policymaking and further enhance standards in dental education and healthcare delivery.
