Islamabad (Agencies): The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has officially announced the extension of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program from four to five years, starting from the 2024-2025 session. This significant policy change aims to address the challenges faced by BDS graduates from Pakistan in securing training and jobs globally, where a five-year BDS transcript is often required.
President of PM&DC, Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj, highlighted the benefits of the extended program, stating that it will include a fifth year as a clerkship year, followed by one year of structured house job or foundation year and internship. This additional year is expected to enhance students’ theoretical understanding and clinical training, better preparing them to handle real-world dental challenges with competence and confidence.
Prof. Taj emphasized that this initiative will align Pakistan’s dental education system with global standards, facilitating greater international recognition of Pakistani graduates. He noted that the comprehensive curriculum guidelines have been finalized and will soon be shared with dental colleges.
The PMDC is working closely with institutions nationwide to ensure the seamless implementation of the revised structure. This reform is a critical step towards cultivating highly skilled dental professionals capable of addressing the evolving demands of healthcare in Pakistan and beyond.