ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The educational board has announced an important decision for those enrolled in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) by extending the duration of this degree.
Announcing a major change in dental education in Punjab, the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree program has been extended from four years to five years.
In this regard, the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has introduced the new integrated BDS curriculum 2K25 in all affiliated public and private dental colleges from the academic year 2025-26.
This decision brings Pakistan’s dental education framework closer to international standards, where five-year undergraduate dental programs are widely practiced. The updated curriculum approved by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council focuses on competency-based learning, initial clinical training, simulation education, research development, community dentistry and continuous assessment of students.
Education experts say that graduates under Pakistan’s previous four-year BDS structure often faced challenges in obtaining international degree recognition, applying for postgraduate programs or appearing for professional licensing exams in the UK, Australia, Canada and several European and Gulf countries due to differences in program duration and clinical training standards.
According to the relevant authorities, the new five-year program will significantly improve the global acceptance of the degree while providing more opportunities for graduates seeking foreign employment and higher education abroad.
To support graduates who have completed the initial four-year degree, UHS has proposed a bridging program based on academic evidence, pending approval from the PM&DC.
The move will allow eligible graduates to complete additional coursework, advanced clinical practice, research training, and competency assessments to align with the revised curriculum standards.
In this regard, Waheed Rathore, Vice Chancellor of the University of Health Sciences, said that this change aims to produce graduates capable of competing internationally through strong knowledge, clinical skills, and professional competence.
