The state would have to do with the lone Patna Dental College for at least a year.

The Dental Council of India (DCI) has not given a nod to Government Dental College, Nalanda, to start bachelor of dental surgery (BDS) course from this academic session.

The state government had approved the plan of starting the college last year for which it approved Rs 404 crore.

The DCI has also given time to Patna Dental College to furnish details about steps being taken to address deficiencies pointed out in its report. The council had pointed out many anomalies regarding infrastructure and manpower in its report sent to Patna Dental College earlier this month. Sources said the college was running the risk of losing affiliation of its BDS course, which has 40 seats.

N.K. Singh, a professor at Patna Dental College, who is holding additional charge as principal of Government Dental College, Nalanda, was the state government's representative in the DCI's meeting on Wednesday. He said: "The building of Government Dental College, Nalanda is not yet complete. That is why DCI has not given us approval for starting BDS course. They asked us to apply afresh next year."

Singh added: "So far as Patna Dental College is concerned, we assured DCI that most of the deficiencies have been overcome. In most cases, it was found that the state government had not provided certificates regarding the same. For example, DCI members objected to as to why I was given additional charge of Government Dental College, Nalanda, when I am already working as a professor in the oral surgery department of Patna Dental College. We have provided Patna High Court's order in which it is mentioned that I have been given additional responsibility of Government Dental College, Nalanda and I am working there on a temporary basis."

He added: "DCI had also raised objection on the faculty shortage at Patna Dental College. We would provide papers regarding a recruitment drive held at the college. Appointment letter have to be given."

"The surgery department has no anaesthetist because of which the institute avoids major dental surgeries. The college is not conducting X-ray test for the past two years even though it has two technicians. While one has not been coming to the college since a long time, the other is physically challenged and has a problem in conducting the test. The college has sent fresh requisition for the appointment of X-ray technicians to the health department," said a source.