List of dental colleges in Pakistan

List of Dental Colleges in Pakistan

Pakistan is home to a significant number of dental colleges that offer various programs in dentistry, contributing to the healthcare sector by producing skilled dental professionals. This article provides an overview of the dental colleges located across the country, categorized by public and private sectors.

Public Dental Colleges

Public dental colleges in Pakistan are government-funded institutions. They are known for their affordable tuition fees and competitive entry requirements.

• Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro
• de'Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore
• Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
• Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, Multan
• Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar
• Bolan Medical College, Quetta

These institutions offer Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programs and are recognized by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), ensuring that graduates meet the national standards required to practice dentistry in Pakistan.

Private Dental Colleges

Private dental colleges in Pakistan are self-financed institutions. They generally have higher tuition fees compared to public colleges but offer more seats and sometimes more modern facilities.

• Altamash Institute of Dental Medicine, Karachi
• Islamabad Medical & Dental College, Islamabad
• Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore
• University College of Medicine & Dentistry, Lahore
• Margalla Institute of Health Sciences, Rawalpindi
• Baqai Dental College, Karachi

Private colleges also offer BDS programs and are required to be recognized by the PMDC to ensure the quality of education and eligibility of their graduates to practice dentistry.

Admission Process

Admission to dental colleges in Pakistan is highly competitive, especially in public institutions. Candidates must pass the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) with a high score. Additionally, they must have completed their Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) or equivalent with a focus on pre-medical subjects (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).

Curriculum

The BDS program typically spans over four years of study followed by a one-year mandatory internship, known as house job, in a dental hospital. The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in dental sciences, including but not limited to, dental anatomy, oral pathology, orthodontics, and prosthodontics.

Challenges and Opportunities

Dental education in Pakistan faces several challenges, including the need for modernization of teaching methods, research opportunities, and infrastructure development. However, the increasing demand for dental care and the rising awareness of oral health in Pakistan present significant opportunities for dental professionals.

Conclusion

The list of dental colleges in Pakistan includes a mix of public and private institutions, each contributing to the dental healthcare sector by providing quality education and training to future dentists. Graduates from these colleges play a crucial role in meeting the oral health needs of the Pakistani population.