LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced the extension of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program to 5 years which will be effective from the academic year 2024-2025.
The initiative aims to bring Pakistan’s dental education to global standards, and has been officially extended to medical universities across the country.
According to a PMDC spokesperson, the fifth year will focus on clerkships, enhancing the experience for students, followed by a one-year structured house job or internship.
The restructuring is in response to the challenges faced by Pakistani graduates in securing training and employment opportunities abroad, where a five-year transcript is often a requirement.
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Lahore has already adopted the five-year framework, and official notifications have been issued to all PMDC-accredited universities to implement the revised framework.
The Council has also committed to issue updated transcripts for graduates of previous four-year programs who require credentials in accordance with international requirements.
The PMDC’s decision follows a broader effort to reform Pakistan’s medical and dental education system.
With this initiative, the Council has introduced measures to improve the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and ensure transparency in the examination process.
The MDCAT reform committee has set up three sub-committees, which were constituted during the inaugural meeting held at the PM&DC office on Wednesday, to draft an agreed syllabus, propose an e-assessment system, and develop comprehensive policy guidelines. The task has been assigned.
The MDCAT Syllabus Committee, consisting of four members, will develop a unified syllabus that is aligned with local and foreign education boards. It will also prepare a table of specifications for the examination and outline a plan for a sustainable question bank.
The e-Assessment Project Committee, consisting of three members, has been tasked with creating a secure question bank portal and recommending an e-Assessment plan including technical details and cost estimates.
Finally, the two-member MDCAT Policy Document Committee will work out a comprehensive policy for smooth implementation of the national examination.
These sub-committees were directed to submit their drafts by December after which the action plan would be reviewed.
These reforms are aimed at restoring public confidence and aligning Pakistan’s medical entrance exams with international standards.