University of Health Sciences Approves New Curriculum for BDS Program

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) Board of Studies in Dentistry has approved a new integrated curriculum for Punjab’s dental colleges, extending the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program from four to five years starting in the 2024-25 academic session. This decision was made during the board’s 49th meeting, chaired by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof. Ahsan Waheed Rathore, and attended by heads of 16 UHS-affiliated dental colleges.

The board unanimously agreed that public and private dental colleges would not charge tuition for the fifth year, which will be a clerkship year dedicated to hands-on clinical experience, aligning the program with international standards.

During the meeting, UHS Director of Medical Education Dr. Khalid Raheem introduced the curriculum framework, emphasizing community dentistry and clinical skills. Implementation will include training faculty and specialists across all affiliated colleges.

Prof. Rathore highlighted that faculty training for the curriculum would be completed by December and January, and stressed that the fifth-year clerkship would benefit both students and college workforces. He proposed a stipend model, suggesting that if full payments cannot be made to students, colleges should at least waive their fees for this year, a recommendation supported by the board.

The vice chancellor also expressed a vision of achieving international recognition for Pakistani medical and dental degrees, particularly in the U.S. and the U.K., aiming for a future where graduates may be exempt from foreign licensure exams.