Awareness of Consumer Protection Act (CPA) among dental fraternity of North India and its implications on the profession

Background: Consumer awareness is emerging in the country, concepts are changing, laws are getting updated and consumers are getting more and more demanding. So it is essential on the part of medical professionals to have updated and adequate knowledge and awareness about CPA to give better services and prevent consumer disputes and further procure the necessary cues for handling of intricate medical cases. Aim: To study the awareness among dental fraternity of North India regarding consumer protection act and its implications on the profession. Materials and Method: A questionnaire having 32 questions was sent either via e-mails or by sending printed copies to 1000 dental professionals, while maintaining anonymity of all the participants. Results: Majority (64.3%) of dental fraternity had good awareness level regarding CPA and most of them thought that it hampers the professional freedom. Few dentists thought that the CPA did not affect professional freedom. It may provide an opportunity to doctors to bring transparency in dental profession. Conclusion: Most of the dental fraternity had good knowledge about consumer protection act.