The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has announced the extension of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years.

The new policy would be implemented in the country from session 2024-2025.

In a statement, PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj explained that the decision was made keeping in view the challenges faced by BDS graduates from Pakistan in securing training or jobs etc across the globe where a five-year BDS transcript was required.

He said that the PMDC has decided that the BDS course or structure in Pakistan would be a five-year programme including a fifth year as a clerkship year followed by a year structured house job or foundation year and internship.

The additional year would allow students to gain a deeper theoretical understanding of dental sciences, improving the academic foundation required for excellence in the field, Taj said.

With extended clinical training, students would be better prepared to handle real-world dental challenges with competence and confidence.

“This initiative will bring Pakistan’s dental education system in line with global standards, facilitating greater international recognition of Pakistani graduates.”

He added that comprehensive curriculum guidelines have been finalised by the council and would soon be shared with dental colleges.