Karachi: In an exclusive talk with Dental News Pakistan, Dr Shah Faisal speaks of the SRB tax at length. According to Dr Shah, the Punjab, Balochistan and KPK revenue boards have not imposed a tax on aesthetics or any procedures, for patients seeking dental treatments.
In the interview, Dr Shah explained that in the field of orthodontics, the aesthetics of dentition and alignment of the jaw are an automatic outcome of the treatment. Orthodontic treatment is more often than not, advised for the longevity of a tooth’s life in the mouth. It is never part of aesthetic treatment it is a necessary treatment where needed.
Dr Shah also reiterated that if the position of the tooth is correct, brushing for the patient will become easier, thereby, making it easier to avoid dental caries and increasing its life in the mouth.
Furthermore, Dr Shah was of the opinion that any field of dentistry works towards increasing the life of teeth in the mouth, in order to save the natural tooth. Orthodontic treatment, like other treatments in dentistry, is a functional need for the patient.
Dr Shah also continued to state that this tax is only imposed on patients located in Sindh.
“So far, it has not been recorded that a sales tax has been imposed on aesthetic treatment. Neither in other provinces of Pakistan nor internationally. However, SRB is in cooperation with us regarding the issue and we hope we will be able to conclude a beneficial outcome”
According to Dr Shah, dentists work in order to alleviate the effect of disease and solve health-related issues. Instances where plastic surgery, orthodontic treatment, cleft lip, and palate treatment are advised, are only when it is the patient’s need. As a result of these therapeutic advances, a patient’s overall outward appearance is positively affected.
While it may seem as though these procedures are solely for the purpose of improving facial aesthetics, this is not the case. Dr Shah is already in discussions with the Sindh Revenue Board in order to reach a mutual understanding on the issue.
