ISLAMABAD: In a crucial gathering aimed at addressing growing concerns within the dental community, the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) hosted a symposium today to discuss the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) recent decision to extend the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program from four years to five. The symposium was attended by over 40 Principals and Professors from public and private sector dental colleges, with 31 more joining virtually, marking a significant show of solidarity among stakeholders.
The dental community at the symposium expressed serious concerns that the PMDC unilaterally decided to expand the program without engaging dental colleges, educators, or professionals in meaningful discussions.
Symposium passes two key resolutions
In response to these concerns, the symposium participants passed two key resolutions aimed at addressing the immediate and long-term issues raised by the PMDC’s decision.
The first resolution called for the establishment of a Pakistan Dental Council (PDC), citing the insufficient representation of the dental sector within the current PMDC. Out of 15 members, only one is a dental professional, a disparity that the participants argued undermines the interests of the dental community. The resolution stressed the need for a dedicated council that would focus solely on the needs and challenges of dental education and practice in Pakistan.
The second resolution demanded that the PMDC defer the implementation of the five-year BDS program until the curriculum has been properly developed and reviewed. The participants highlighted that curriculum development should be the responsibility of dental colleges and subject specialists, not the PMDC. They pointed out that the decision to extend the program was made without consulting the very institutions that would need to adjust their infrastructure, faculty, and financial models to accommodate the additional year.
Unilateral decision by PMDC and PDA's strong opposition
The PMDC’s decision to extend the BDS program by one year was initially announced as a measure to bring Pakistan’s dental education in line with global standards. The fifth year, labeled as a “clerkship year,” would be followed by an internship or house job, aimed at enhancing graduates’ international recognition and employability. However, the PDA, while raising objections to the decision, stressed that the current four-year program already meets international requirements and that the expansion could unnecessarily burden students and institutions.
In a formal letter to the PMDC, Dr. Ahmed criticized the lack of thorough deliberation before making such a substantial change.
Looking forward: A unified path forward for dental education
As the debate continues, the PDA’s call for the creation of the Pakistan Dental Council (PDC) has gained significant traction within the dental community. The formation of this independent body would ensure that dental professionals have a greater say in the development of policies and programs that affect the sector. Dr. Ahmed and other dental leaders have emphasized that the PDC would be better suited to address the specific needs of dental education and practice, without the broader bureaucratic challenges that have hindered progress under the current PMDC structure.
“We believe that the future of dental education in Pakistan requires an autonomous body that is focused solely on the dental profession. The PDC would be equipped to make decisions that truly reflect the needs of dental colleges, professionals, and students,” Dr. Ahmed echoed while speaking to Dental News.
As the discussions evolve, the PDA remains committed to advocating for a thoughtful, consultative approach to dental education reform. The resolutions passed at today’s symposium represent a clear mandate from the dental community for a more inclusive and structured process moving forward, one that ensures that Pakistan’s dental education system continues to meet both national and international standards without unnecessary disruptions.
This symposium marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about the future of dental education in Pakistan, with the dental community united in its call for better representation, consultation, and a more pragmatic approach to the BDS program extension.