Major Curriculum Overhaul to Transform Pakistan’s Dental Education

Five-Year Programme to Meet International Standards

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Lahore has unveiled plans for a comprehensive transformation of dental education across Punjab, according to a recent report published in The News. This significant development follows the institution’s previous revamp of the MBBS curriculum.

Extended Duration and Enhanced Clinical Training

The new “Integrated Curriculum 2K25” marks a pivotal shift in dental education, extending the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years. A key feature of this restructuring is the addition of a dedicated clinical skills enhancement year, termed “clerkship,” which follows the four-year foundational training period.

Global Alignment and Recognition

Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore, UHS Vice Chancellor, highlighted the international perspective behind these changes. “This curriculum update will benefit our graduates by enhancing their employability and postgraduate education opportunities worldwide,” he stated. The revised programme has been carefully crafted to align with dental education standards in leading countries, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia.

Comprehensive Academic Structure

The new curriculum demonstrates a robust commitment to thorough professional preparation, incorporating 4,900 instructional hours across the initial four years. This core training will be supplemented by an additional 1,100 hours dedicated to the fifth-year clerkship, meeting and exceeding the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) requirements.

Collaborative Development Process

The curriculum’s development has been notably inclusive, with Professor Rathore emphasising that feedback from faculty and students across Punjab’s affiliated dental colleges played a crucial role in shaping the final framework. The university has already communicated these developments to the PM&DC, demonstrating its commitment to transparent implementation.

National Standardisation Prospects

Looking ahead, UHS leadership has expressed optimism about the potential nationwide adoption of this curriculum. Professor Rathore indicated his hopes that the PM&DC will endorse this educational framework, potentially establishing a unified standard for dental education across Pakistan.

This comprehensive update represents a significant step forward in aligning Pakistani dental education with global standards, potentially enhancing the international recognition and credibility of the nation’s dental qualifications.