Surgery tools of roadside dentist in New Delhi, India

From the archive record

A typical Indian street dentist stall showing the various instruments used by the roadside dentist that he uses to treat his patients bad or rotten teeth. Street dentistry is the unlicensed practice of dentistry in the street, usually for people who are unable to afford licensed dental care. In India, street services are plentiful, with dentists operating alongside other street services, such as apothecaries, repairmen, and barbers. These practitioners charge far less than licensed dentists, often charging as little as 125 rupees for a procedure such as a bridge—which, at a licensed dentist, could be as expensive as 10,000 rupees. For many of these individuals, the trade is learned from their parents. Street dentistry is not confined to India. However, in India, Chapter V, Section 49 of th