The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) education will now last five years instead of four, as formally stated by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC). The new regulation will go into effect nationwide in the 2024–2025 school year.
The major advantages of the adjustment were emphasized by PM&DC President Prof. Dr. Rizwan Taj in a statement released on Friday.
He clarified that the decision was made in light of the difficulties Pakistani BDS graduates have finding training or employment in countries where a five-year BDS transcript is necessary.
According to him, the PM&DC had determined that the BDS program would consist of a five-year course, with the fifth year serving as a clerkship year, followed by a foundation year or structured house employment and internship for one year.
According to him, students would be able to improve the academic foundation necessary for success in the profession by gaining a stronger theoretical grasp of dental sciences over the extra year.
Based on Dr. Taj, the project will ensure that Pakistani graduates receive greater worldwide recognition by aligning the country’s dental school system with international norms.
The head of PM&DC stated that the council had completed the overall curriculum guidelines and that dental institutions will shortly get them.
