UHS Revises MDS Curricula After Nearly 20 Years

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) has updated the curricula for Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) programs in four principal dental fields following nearly two decades of inactivity. This decision was made during the 229th session of the Advanced Studies & Research Board (ASRB) at UHS on Thursday. Prof. Dr. Nadia Naseem presided over the meeting.

The modified curricula encompass operative dentistry, prosthodontics, orthodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. UHS explains that the revisions are aimed at synchronizing postgraduate dental training with recent advancements in the dental sector, contemporary medical education methodologies, and the evolving requirements of specialized healthcare.

Members of the ASRB expressed that the curriculum revision had been long overdue. The revision process involved specialty advisory committees made up of subject matter authorities who collaborated with the UHS Department of Medical Education to review the curricula. The new programs also comply with directives issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC), and UHS Level-III MD/MS/MDS Regulations 2024.

The Board of Studies (Dentistry) had previously evaluated the revised curricula and recommended their submission to the Academic Council via the ASRB. Prof. Dr. Sarah Ghafoor, the Convener of the Board of Studies (Dentistry) and acting head of the Department of Medical Education, informed the ASRB about the framework and main components of the revised curricula.

The ASRB also examined thesis evaluation instances from various postgraduate areas during the session.