Legal Aspects of Pediatric Dentistry in India: A Narrative Review

The interface between pediatric dentistry and law in India is increasingly significant as dental practitioners face expanding medico-legal accountability, consumer rights awareness, and evolving digital challenges. This paper critically explores the regulatory frameworks, ethical obligations, and medico-legal considerations that shape pediatric dental practice in India. It highlights statutory obligations under the Dentists Act, 1948, the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, while addressing consent, confidentiality, digital documentation, and forensic responsibilities. The discussion underscores the necessity of preventive legal literacy, meticulous record-keeping, and ethical vigilance to foster legally resilient and patient-centered pediatric oral care.