India’s medical education regulator has agreed to consider a proposal by the Dental Council of India to introduce a bridge course for dentists that will allow them to double up as general physicians.

DCI has floated the proposal after being urged by a number of dentists and dental surgeons who are interested in pursuing course that make their qualification equivalent to MBBS doctors, its senior office bearers said.

“We have taken up the proposal to the Medical Council of India and are hoping for a positive outcome. If we get a green signal, we will design, along with MCI members, the course structure and detailed curriculum for the bridge course,” said Jayakar Shetty, vice-president of the DCI.

Another functionary at the DCI insisted that the move, when it comes through, will mean benefit for both dentist and general doctor fraternities.