The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Board of Studies in Dentistry has approved a new curriculum for Punjab’s dental colleges, extending the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program from four to five years, effective from the 2024-25 academic session. This decision, made in the board’s 49th meeting led by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, includes the addition of a fifth year dedicated to a clerkship, allowing students to gain hands-on clinical experience to meet international standards. Heads of 16 affiliated dental colleges attended the session, supporting the move towards an internationally aligned curriculum.
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In a notable decision, the board agreed that both public and private colleges would not charge tuition for this fifth clerkship year. The new curriculum framework, presented by UHS Director of Medical Education Dr. Khalid Raheem, emphasizes practical skills in community dentistry. UHS plans to train faculty members from all affiliated institutions to ensure a smooth transition to the updated curriculum.
Prof. Rathore shared that faculty training would be completed by December and January, noting that the clerkship year not only enhances students’ practical skills but also adds value to college workforces. He suggested that if stipends cannot be fully funded, colleges should waive the tuition fee for the year, a recommendation that was widely supported. Prof. Rathore also expressed a long-term vision for achieving international recognition for Pakistani dental degrees, hoping that UHS graduates could eventually bypass foreign licensure exams, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K.
