NDPC 2026 sets a new national standard for digital dental competitions
KARACHI: Pakistan’s dental education landscape witnessed a historic shift with the successful conclusion of the National Dental Presentation Competition 2026 (NDPC 2026), the country’s first-ever national live digital competition in dentistry. Designed as a fully online, merit-driven academic platform, NDPC 2026 demonstrated how technology can transform dental learning, assessment, and national collaboration.
Organized by the Dental Outreach Department of Liaquat College of Medicine and Dentistry in collaboration with Bosch Pharmaceuticals, the initiative was driven by the academic vision of Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, Principal LCMD. His focus on digital transformation and structured evaluation laid the foundation for a competition that blended innovation with academic rigor.
The response from across Pakistan was unprecedented. A total of 211 presentations were submitted by participants from 33 dental colleges, highlighting both the depth of academic talent and the growing culture of research-oriented learning among students and faculty.
NDPC 2026 introduced a multi-phase evaluation model that included digital screening, structured filtration, and merit-based shortlisting. This process ensured transparency and fairness, culminating in a live national finale where selected participants presented their work before expert judges and a nationwide audience.
The grand finale, held on February 10, 2026, brought together more than 300 participants online, making it one of the largest digital academic gatherings in Pakistan’s dental history. The event was hosted by Dr. Hassan Rizwan, postgraduate resident in operative dentistry, and Dr. Shafaq Sohail, demonstrator in paediatric dentistry, who guided audiences through a high-energy and intellectually engaging program.
A distinguished panel of judges comprising Prof. Dr. Farhat Jaffari, Dr. Kashif Naqvi, Prof. Dr. Sidra Mohiuddin, Dr. Sameer Qureshi, Dr. Mariam Iqbal, Dr. Tanzeela Shaikh, and Dr. Areej Azhar ensured rigorous and unbiased assessment of the live presentations.
Winners of NDPC 2026
Undergraduate category:
• First prize was awarded to Hafsa Binte Imran of Karachi Medical and Dental College, receiving Rs. 100,000.
• Second prize went to Raima Farrukh of Watim Dental College, receiving Rs. 50,000.
Faculty category:
• First prize was secured by Dr. Amna Shaukat of Nishtar Institute of Dentistry, receiving Rs. 100,000.
• Second prize was awarded to Dr. M. Babar Khan of Bashir Dental College, receiving Rs. 50,000.
A notable innovation of NDPC 2026 was the introduction of the Audience Choice Award, reflecting digital engagement and public interaction. With more than 5,000 YouTube views, this category demonstrated the expanding role of online academic platforms. Winners included Arfah Goraya from University Medical and Dental College and Ali Haider from LCMD, while Saba Aziz from Karachi Medical and Dental College and Dr. Kashaf Abbas from Islamic International Dental College received consolation prizes.
Behind the scenes, the success of NDPC 2026 was powered by coordinated leadership and teamwork. Chief Organizer Prof. Dr. Uzma Zareef and Dr. Rizwan Hassan led the initiative, supported by Chief Coordinators Dr. Amna Afridi and Dr. Saba Shahid. Operational responsibilities were managed by Dr. Duaa Ali, Dr. Sarmad Khan, and Dr. Zoha Naqvi, along with team members Dr. Iqra Ali, Dr. Rabail Khero, Dr. Hassan Sadiq, and Dr. Mariyam Amoudi, who ensured smooth digital execution, technical moderation, and result compilation.
More than a competition, NDPC 2026 represented a national academic movement. It combined visionary leadership, structured evaluation, and digital reach into a single platform that connected dental institutions across Pakistan. By uniting students, faculty, and judges in a live national academic forum, LCMD and Bosch Pharmaceuticals have set a new benchmark for how dental education can be delivered, evaluated, and celebrated.
NDPC 2026 signals a future in which digital platforms strengthen academic culture, encourage research, and provide equal national exposure to talent, regardless of geographic location. Its success positions Pakistan’s dental community for a more connected, transparent, and academically driven future.
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