LAHORE: The Board of Studies in Dentistry of the University of Health Sciences (UHS) has approved a new integrated curriculum set to be implemented in Punjab’s dental colleges from the 2024-25 academic session, transitioning the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme from four to five years. The decision came during the 49th meeting of the board presided over by UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore here on Thursday. The meeting was attended by heads of 16 UHS-affiliated dental colleges. The board reached a consensus that both public and private dental colleges would not charge fees for the fifth year, which will be designated as a clerkship year. This change aligns with international standards, ensuring that students complete an additional year focusing on practical experience. UHS Director of Medical Education Dr Khalid Raheem presented the framework of the integrated curriculum, highlighting a strengthened focus on community dentistry and clinical skills. The implementation of the new curriculum will involve training subject specialists and medical education experts in all affiliated dental colleges. Prof Rathore emphasised that faculty training for the new curriculum would be completed by December and January. He noted that the fifth year, aimed at clerkship, would provide workforce support to dental colleges. He advocated for a stipend model, suggesting if dental colleges cannot pay students like house officers, they should at least waive the fee for this year. This suggestion was unanimously supported by board members. The vice chancellor expressed his ambition to see Pakistani medical and dental degrees recognised internationally, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, envisioning a time when graduates might be exempt from foreign licencing exams as a mark of success.