The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program has been formally extended from four to five years by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), bringing it into compliance with international norms.

Under the new arrangement, a one-year home job will be required after the fifth year's emphasis on clerkship. This modification guarantees that Pakistani dental education satisfies international standards, as BDS degrees normally last five years.

The new curriculum will be introduced across the country beginning with the 2024–2025 school year. All universities in the nation must now adopt this system, which was first implemented by the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Lahore.

According to the spokesperson, Pakistanis encountered difficulties in their pursuit of education and employment abroad because of their four-year degree.

The equivalence problem, however, would be resolved by the most recent decision.
All universities were given instructions in this regard by PMDC.

As stated by the PMDC spokesperson, the BDS degree has already been expanded from four to five years by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

A PMDC representative stated that the fifth year will be devoted to the internship, which will give students more practical experience, and that a year-long structured housework or internship will follow.

Additionally, the council promised to provide updated transcripts to former four-year program graduates who need credentials that meet international standards.

Implementation of the 5-year BDS degree decision would begin in the 2024–2025 academic year.