Dentists rue low income

Hyderabad: With 10,000 dental clinics in urban areas of Telangana, junior dental doctors claim that there is over saturation and they are unable to earn a decent income every month sometimes earning even less than a municipal sweeper.

Dr Priyanak Marthineni, state president of the association said, “Junior doctors have to work in an established clinic as setting up of a new clinic requires a lot of permissions and also the specified equipments are very costly and not affordable for all. In these clinics, doctors are paid only Rs 5,000 per month. How can one survive for long on such salaries?”

Only 10 per cent of dentists have an established practice while others are struggling and do not have a proper form of livelihood.

Dr Marthineni said that the re-imbursement facilities for dental procedures are very little hence it is not a sought after form of treatment until and unless there is an infection or a severe tooth ache.

Dr Kiran Kumar Kranthi, state secretary said, “There’re around 20,000 junior dentists who have more than five years of working experience but are still struggling. Their income is not stable and neither is there any hope in the industry. There are too many of them but too few opportunities.” 

The association requested the state to appoint them in public health centres so that their expertise can be put to use.