Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) has been the backbone for regulating affairs related to dentistry in the country. However, its existence remains questionable during this year's MDCAT debacle.
Background of the new policy
Passing the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) is mandatory for students who seek admission in medical and dental institutes of the public and the private sector in Pakistan.
This year it was conducted online by the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) in September, in which around 200K candidates appeared. The validity for this exam is two years. MDCAT 2021 proved to be a controversial and total fiasco. Lack of management and perplexed outcome prompted protests and complaints of many students and parents in all big cities in Pakistan.
Redress of grievances
Complaints such as non-functional internet during the exam, extended period of exam, out of course questions, mistakes in the overall result and other illegalities were filed against PMC. Students were baffled as their emailed results were also dismissed as much of them were inaccurate. However, PMC disregarded many claims made by students in the conference held on October 9.
Where is Pakistan Dental Association?
According to media, 194,133 students had appeared in MDCAT conducted from August 30 to October 2. Out of whom, 68,680 students passed, with 35.4 as the overall passing percentage. Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has addressed discrepancies in the process and stood up with the voice of students protesting. PMA wants to cancel the MDCAT results and exam to be conducted on the same date. At the same time, it is noteworthy that Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) has not been solving or addressing the issue. This issue is fundamental for future aspirants of dentistry, as PDA is the backbone for regulating affairs related to dentistry.
How should PDA act?
While it is credible to develop a novel concept of conducting MDCAT in a computer-based system, modulation in rulings for conducting such exams through transparency is essential. PDA needs to put their verdict forward and address the issue wisely to ensure justified induction of candidates in dental schools. Their actions should highlight not only MDCAT but also other new policies introduced, such as NLE. It will show the required effort and the representation of dentists in reviewing policies implemented overall.
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