Lahore (Web Desk): In a major reform of dental education, the duration of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme has been extended from four years to five years across all dental colleges in Punjab, with the revised structure taking effect from the 2025-26 academic session.
According to an official notification issued by the University of Health Sciences (UHS), the new five-year integrated BDS curriculum has been developed in line with the standards of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
The updated curriculum places greater emphasis on clinical training, simulation laboratories, and research to strengthen students’ practical skills and improve the international recognition of Pakistani dental qualifications.
To facilitate graduates of the previous four-year BDS programme, UHS has also proposed a bridging, or top-up, programme that will enable them to earn a qualification equivalent to the new five-year degree.
UHS Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore said the reform would open more opportunities for Pakistani dentists seeking employment and higher education abroad. He described the initiative as a comprehensive overhaul of dental education rather than simply adding an extra academic year.
PMDC Tightens Rules for Foreign Medical Students
According to Dr Rathore, the revised programme will better prepare students for international licensing examinations while enhancing the global competitiveness of Pakistani dental graduates.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.