Constitution & Bye-Laws

1.1 Name

The association shall be known as the North East Association of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, abbreviated as NACE.

1.2 Registered Office

The registered head office of the association is located at 204, Orion Tower, Christian Basti, G.S. Road, Guwahati 781005, Assam. The registered office may be changed by resolution of the Executive Committee, subject to the approval of the General Body.

1.3 Purpose & Objectives

NACE is established to advance the science and practice of conservative dentistry and endodontics in North East India. Its objectives include:

1. Promoting cooperative effort among members to advance the field of conservative dentistry and endodontics.
2. Organising scientific meetings, seminars, workshops, conferences, and continuing dental education (CDE) programmes.
3. Raising public awareness of oral hygiene, preventive dental care, and conservative treatment approaches.
4. Publishing academic literature, journals, and other publications in the specialty.
5. Collaborating with national and international organisations for the advancement of the profession.
6. Encouraging research through scholarships, awards, grants, and recognition of academic contributions.

2.1 Categories of Membership

NACE recognises the following categories of membership:

• Life Membership: For specialists holding an MDS in Conservative Dentistry, Operative Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, or Endodontics from an NDC-recognised institution, registered under Part A of the Dentists Register. One-time fee of ₹10,000.
• Student Membership: For postgraduate students currently enrolled in NDC-recognised courses. One-time fee of ₹4,000.
• Associate Membership: For Fellowship and Diploma holders from NDC-recognised institutions, subject to Executive Committee approval. One-time fee of ₹6,000.
• Affiliate Membership: For specialists with postgraduate qualifications residing outside India or with equivalent qualifications from other countries, subject to approval. One-time fee of ₹8,000 or equivalent.
• Honorary Membership: For individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the field, by approval of the Executive Committee. No fee.

2.2 Application & Admission

Applications for membership are submitted to the Honorary General Secretary with the required documents and applicable fee. The Executive Committee reviews and approves applications. Approved members are entered in the membership register and receive a membership certificate.

2.3 Rights & Obligations

All members are expected to uphold the aims of the association, abide by its bylaws, and participate in its activities. Voting rights and eligibility to hold office are available to Life Members in good standing. Student Members may attend meetings and academic activities and may convert to Life Membership upon qualifying.

2.4 Cessation & Disciplinary Action

Membership may be terminated for conduct detrimental to the association, failure to uphold the bylaws, or upon written resignation. The Executive Committee may suspend or expel a member following due process, with the right of appeal to the General Body.

3.1 Executive Committee

NACE is governed by an elected Executive Committee comprising the following office bearers: President, Vice President, Honorary General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, Academic Coordinator(s), Event Coordinator(s), Executive Members, and State Representatives from each North Eastern state.

3.2 Term of Office

The Executive Committee is elected for a term as determined by the General Body. Office bearers may be re-elected subject to the provisions of these bylaws.

3.3 Powers & Responsibilities

The Executive Committee is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the association, including organising academic programmes, managing finances, admitting new members, and representing NACE in external forums. Decisions are made by majority vote at committee meetings.

3.4 Vacancies

Casual vacancies in the Executive Committee are filled by co-option, subject to ratification at the next General Body meeting.

4.1 Scientific Meetings

The association shall organise regular scientific meetings, seminars, workshops, and CDE programmes for the benefit of its members and the broader dental community.

4.2 Executive Committee Meetings

The Executive Committee shall meet as often as necessary to conduct the business of the association. Meetings may be held in person or through electronic means. A quorum shall consist of not less than one-third of the committee members.

4.3 Community Programmes

NACE shall organise public awareness programmes, dental health camps, school education drives, and other outreach activities in the communities of North East India.

5.1 Sources of Income

The income of the association shall be derived from membership fees, donations, sponsorships, event revenues, and any other lawful source approved by the Executive Committee.

5.2 Management of Funds

All funds of the association shall be deposited in a bank account in the name of NACE. Withdrawals require the joint signature of the Treasurer and one other authorised office bearer. The Treasurer shall maintain proper accounts and present financial statements at every Annual General Body Meeting.

5.3 Audit

The accounts of the association shall be audited annually by a qualified auditor appointed by the Executive Committee, and the audit report shall be presented at the Annual General Body Meeting.

6.1 Frequency

The Annual General Body Meeting (AGBM) shall be held once a year at a time and place determined by the Executive Committee, with not less than 21 days notice to all members.

6.2 Business

The AGBM shall consider the annual report of the Executive Committee, the financial statement and audit report, elections (if due), amendments to the bylaws, and any other business placed before it.

6.3 Extraordinary General Meetings

An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called by the Executive Committee or upon written requisition by not less than one-fifth of the Life Members, with not less than 15 days notice.

6.4 Quorum

The quorum for a General Body meeting shall be as determined by the Executive Committee from time to time, but shall not be less than the minimum required under the Societies Registration Act.

These bylaws may be amended by a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting at a General Body meeting, provided that the proposed amendment has been circulated to all members at least 15 days before the meeting.

Amendments shall take effect from the date of the General Body resolution unless otherwise specified.

All members of NACE are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. Members shall:

1. Uphold the objectives and reputation of the association at all times.
2. Practise dentistry in accordance with the ethical guidelines of the Dental Council of India.
3. Treat fellow members, patients, and the public with respect and professionalism.
4. Not engage in any activity that brings the association into disrepute.
5. Cooperate with the Executive Committee in the discharge of its duties and the conduct of investigations, if any.

Breaches of this code may be addressed through the disciplinary provisions under Article 2.

The following amendments were approved at the Annual General Body Meeting on 26 April 2026:

1. Introduction of the instalment payment option for Life Membership (₹4,000 + ₹3,000 + ₹3,000), with voting and office eligibility deferred until payment is complete.
2. Formal recognition of the Associate Membership and Affiliate Membership categories with defined fees and eligibility criteria.
3. Expansion of the Executive Committee structure to include additional coordinator and representative roles as needed by the association.
4. Updated version designation to Version 2.0, superseding Version 1.0 (2025).