University of Health Sciences (UHS) Introduces Five-Year Modular Integrated Curriculum for BDS Program
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has become the first University in Pakistan to approve a new modular integrated curriculum for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, extending its duration from four years to five years. This decision was made during the 48th meeting of the UHS Board of Studies in Dentistry, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore on Friday.
The current curriculum, in use since 2005, is being revised nearly 20 years later with a new framework already prepared. The updated curriculum will be implemented in all dental colleges across Punjab starting from the academic session 2024-25.
A steering committee, formed in January and led by Professor Sarah Ghafoor, Head of the UHS Oral Biology Department, developed the framework and timeline for the new curriculum. The committee included principals of dental colleges and medical education experts.
The new curriculum incorporates vertical, horizontal, and spiral integration, featuring modules on professionalism, ethics, research and leadership skills along with clinical, foundational and rotation modules. The traditional clinical quota will be replaced by a logbook and portfolio and basic life support training will be integral to the curriculum.
UHS Vice-Chancellor stated that this decision will enhance the international recognition of Pakistan’s dental degree and mentioned that the new curriculum will be submitted to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council for formal approval.
It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) accorded approval for increase in duration of the BDS program by one year, bringing it on a par with the five-year MBBS degree program in 2015.
The next blog shall examine how this innovative curriculum will benefit the students by providing a more engaging and relevant education and how it will enhance the overall quality of dental care by producing competent, knowledgeable and adaptable dentists.
