Critical Review of Dental Education in Pakistan and A Proposed Way Forward: An AI-Integrated BDS Curriculum for Global Competence

Authors

  • Ambreen Shabbir Department of Medical Education, Health Services Academy, Islamabad Pakistan
  • Afreenish Malik Department of Medical Education, Health Services Academy, Islamabad Pakistan
  • Gul Muhammad Shaikh Department of Medical Education, Health Services Academy, Islamabad Pakistan
  • Junaid Sarfraz Khan Department of Medical Education, Health Services Academy, Islamabad Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v76iSUPPL-3.14073

Keywords:

Advanced Assessment Models, Artificial Intelligence, BDS Curriculum, Curriculum Integration, Precision Education.

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this conceptual review are to: (1) characterize the structural, pedagogical and technological attributes of the existing curriculum; (2) delineate deficiencies relative to global standards, with emphasis on AI literacy, faculty capacity and assessment approaches; and (3) outline a comprehensive, sustainable AI-integrated curriculum model informed by Systems Theory and principles of precision education.

Study Design: Systematic Review.

Methodology: A structured search was performed across major scholarly databases—PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and ERIC. The search targeted three central domains: artificial intelligence in health professions education, precision-based learning approaches and advanced assessment models. Only English-language publications from 2010 to 2025 were included to ensure relevance.

Results: Based on these insights, an enhanced curriculum design is proposed for one university and its affiliated institutions, incorporating forward-looking educational strategies such as precision learning, entrepreneurial skill development, inter-professional education (IPE), programmatic assessment and digital simulation.

Conclusion: Collectively, these elements form an integrated framework intended to cultivate graduates who are proficient in AI-supported dental practice and equipped to meet the evolving demands of contemporary oral healthcare across global contexts.

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References

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Published

30-04-2026

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How to Cite

1.
Shabbir A, Malik A, Shaikh GM, Khan JS. Critical Review of Dental Education in Pakistan and A Proposed Way Forward: An AI-Integrated BDS Curriculum for Global Competence. Pak Armed Forces Med J [Internet]. 2026 Apr. 30 [cited 2026 May 21];76(SUPPL-3):S634-S639. Available from: https://www.pafmj.org/PAFMJ/article/view/14073