ISLAMABAD: In a significant decision, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has expanded the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program from four years to five years, effective from the 2024-25 academic session. This change aims to address global challenges faced by Pakistani BDS graduates, particularly in securing international training opportunities and employment, where a five-year transcript is often a requirement.
The revamped curriculum will include a fifth year designated as a "clerkship year," followed by a one-year structured house job, foundation year, or internship. The PM&DC has also directed universities to issue revised five-year transcripts to previous graduates, incorporating their house job as the clerkship year, upon request. Comprehensive curricular guidelines for the extended program are under development and will be shared with stakeholders soon.
PDA reacts strongly to PMDC decision
The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA), which represents dental professionals nationwide, has strongly opposed the PMDC's decision.
In a letter to the President PMDC, Dr. Ahmed expressed concerns over the council's rationale for the change, stating that "such a significant extension requires detailed deliberation and consultation with stakeholders." He pointed out the need to review the curriculum, upgrade infrastructure, and increase faculty to accommodate the additional year.
"We request the President PMDC to form a broad-based committee, including experts from basic medical sciences and clinical dental fields, to revisit the curriculum and ensure it meets global standards without unnecessary disruptions," Dr. Ahmed stated in the letter.
The PDA also expressed dismay over the lack of consultation with key stakeholders. “No due deliberations were made by the council, and no stakeholders were taken on board before making this decision. Such unilateral changes can have long-term repercussions for the profession,” the letter stated.
To address the concerns, the PDA has announced plans to convene a seminar with principals of dental colleges and senior private practitioners to discuss the decision and propose recommendations.
Raising concerns about global recognition
The PDA rejected the PMDC's justification for the change, arguing that Pakistan's current four-year BDS program already meets global standards. “This decision risks creating unnecessary complications for dental professionals, as the existing four-year program has been internationally recognized for practice and postgraduate opportunities,” Dr. Ahmed explained while speaking to the Dental News.
By emphasizing the global acceptance of Pakistan’s current program, the PDA underscored its reservations about the PMDC’s decision, calling for greater diligence and consultation before implementing such sweeping changes.
The PMDC’s decision represents a major shift in the country's dental education framework. However, with the PDA raising serious concerns and questioning its necessity, the move has sparked a critical debate within the dental community.
