In a comprehensive and candid interview, Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA), has launched a fervent appeal for the organization's swift and thorough revitalization. He unveiled a meticulously crafted plan designed to directly address the multifaceted challenges confronting dentists across Pakistan, aiming to enhance their professional lives and career prospects significantly. The plan tackles a spectrum of pressing issues, from the overabundance of graduates and concerns regarding the quality of dental education to the escalating public health crisis of oral cancer and the debilitating "brain drain" of skilled professionals.
Acknowledging the PDA's recent period of inactivity, Prof. Dr. Qureshi underscored the imperative to transform the association into a dynamic and unified voice for all dentists nationwide. He articulated a vision of a revitalized PDA that would be a robust platform for advocacy, support, and professional development, benefiting individual practitioners and strengthening the dental community. The proliferation of private dental colleges, while expanding access to education, has inadvertently led to an oversupply of graduates, resulting in widespread unemployment and underemployment. This situation, coupled with concerns about the variable quality of education offered by these institutions, has created a crisis of competency and credibility among newly qualified dentists.
"We produce graduates, but are we adequately preparing them to become successful and competent dentists?"
Prof. Dr. Qureshi questioned, emphasizing the detrimental impact on their career trajectories and the overall reputation of the profession.
The absence of standardized national practice guidelines and effective regulatory mechanisms has exacerbated dentists' challenges, hindering their professional development and impacting the quality of care they provide. Prof. Dr. Qureshi stressed the urgent need for a cohesive and robust regulatory framework to ensure consistent, high-quality dental care across the country, thereby safeguarding the public's health and enhancing the professional standing of dentists.
The escalating public health crisis of oral cancer, linked to the widespread use of harmful substances like gutka, paan, and betel nut, was deemed a "national emergency," requiring immediate and concerted action. Prof. Dr. Qureshi emphasized the vital role of dentists in public awareness campaigns, preventative care initiatives, and early detection programs, placing them at the forefront of this critical public health challenge. The unchecked emigration of highly skilled dentists, the "brain drain," was identified as another significant concern, jeopardizing the future of the profession in Pakistan and depriving the nation of its valuable human capital.
Prof. Dr. Qureshi's comprehensive PDA revitalization strategy focuses on:
Empowering Dentists: Establishing a strong, transparent, and democratic organization that actively represents the interests of all dentists.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Development: Implementing mandatory continuing education programs, leveraging digital platforms for accessible learning.
Technological Advancement and Innovation: Championing the adoption of digital dentistry and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance practice efficiency.
Regulatory Reform and Policy Advocacy: Engaging with regulatory bodies like the PMDC to influence dental policy.
Workforce Development and Infrastructure Enhancement: Developing training programs for dental assistants, supporting clinic management, and expanding access to care.
Youth Engagement and Leadership Development: Creating platforms for young dentists to voice their concerns and develop leadership skills.
Public Outreach and Awareness Campaigns: Launching nationwide campaigns to educate the public about oral health.
Prof. Dr. Qureshi was particularly critical of the PMDC's recent curriculum changes. He advocated for greater transparency and stakeholder involvement, including practicing dentists. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and consensus-building in shaping the future of dental education.
Despite the daunting challenges, Prof. Dr. Qureshi expressed unwavering optimism about the future of dentists in Pakistan. He fervently urged them to unite, actively support the PDA's revitalization efforts, and work collaboratively to build a stronger, more equitable, and more prosperous dental care system for all Pakistanis.
Prof. Dr. Qureshi's vision provides a roadmap for a transformed dental profession in Pakistan. His call for unity and action resonates strongly, emphasizing that the collective effort of dentists is crucial for achieving meaningful change. The future of dental care in Pakistan hinges on successfully implementing this revitalization plan.
Dentists across Pakistan are encouraged to participate in the PDA's revitalization efforts actively. Support the PDA's initiatives, voice your concerns, and contribute to building a stronger and more unified dental community.
To better understand Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi's vision and plan, watch the full interview on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_xe04AuBA0]. Join the conversation and be a part of the change.