The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Board of Studies in Dentistry has approved a new integrated curriculum that extends the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program from four to five years for Punjab dental colleges. This change, set to take effect in the 2024-25 academic session, was decided during the board’s 49th meeting chaired by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, with participation from heads of 16 UHS-affiliated dental colleges.
The additional fifth year will serve as a clerkship dedicated to hands-on clinical practice, aligning with international educational standards. A significant decision made by the board was that both public and private dental institutions will not charge tuition fees for this extra year. This move is aimed at enhancing students’ practical training without imposing additional financial burdens.
UHS Director of Medical Education, Dr. Khalid Raheem, presented the framework of the revised curriculum during the meeting. The curriculum emphasizes advanced clinical skills and community dentistry, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional challenges. To facilitate this change, faculty and specialists across all affiliated dental colleges will undergo specific training.
Prof. Rathore noted that faculty training sessions are expected to be completed between December and January, ensuring a smooth transition to the new program. He highlighted that the fifth-year clerkship would be mutually beneficial, providing students with valuable experience and supporting colleges’ clinical workforces. Additionally, he recommended that colleges, if unable to offer full stipends to students during the clerkship year, should at least waive tuition fees—an idea that gained unanimous support from the board.
Prof. Rathore also articulated a broader vision of attaining international recognition for Pakistani medical and dental degrees. The ultimate goal is to have these degrees accepted globally, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K., potentially allowing graduates to bypass foreign licensure exams.
This initiative is seen as a pivotal step toward raising the standard of dental education in punjab, equipping students with a comprehensive skill set while aligning with global practices.
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