SRINAGAR — More than 7,000 trained dental surgeons in Jammu and Kashmir remain unemployed due to the absence of regular government recruitment over the past 17 years, raising concerns about career stagnation and the underuse of skilled medical professionals.
Dental professionals say that despite population growth and rising oral healthcare needs, government hiring of dental surgeons has remained virtually stalled. As a result, thousands of qualified graduates have been left without stable employment, with many forced to migrate outside the region or leave the profession altogether.
The prolonged recruitment gap has also entered political debate. The National Conference, in its 2024 election manifesto, promised time-bound recruitment of dental surgeons, acknowledging that the issue has been pending for over a decade. Unemployed graduates say the assurance raised expectations, but concrete action is still awaited.
Dental surgeons warn that the lack of appointments has weakened public healthcare delivery, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to dental services is limited or absent. They argue that regular recruitment would address unemployment while strengthening oral health services in government hospitals and primary health centres.
The unemployed professionals have urged the government to immediately launch recruitment drives, frame a clear absorption policy and honour commitments made regarding time-bound appointments. They caution that further delays will worsen unemployment and continue to deprive the public of essential oral healthcare.
The dental community has appealed for urgent government intervention to ensure qualified professionals are given opportunities within the public health system.