LAHORE: The Pakistan Dental Association (PDA) Lahore Chapter has announced key details regarding the upcoming chapter elections, including a proposal for broader voter participation and a commitment to facilitating a transparent electoral process.
In a statement issued to members of the dental fraternity, the chapter confirmed that its current office-bearers do not intend to participate as candidates in the forthcoming elections. The move, according to the statement, is aimed at encouraging wider participation, fostering new leadership, and creating opportunities for fresh perspectives within the profession.
The chapter also invited eligible dentists and prospective panels to actively engage in the electoral process, describing the elections as an important opportunity for the profession to strengthen democratic representation and collective engagement.
As part of its proposed election framework, PDA Lahore Chapter said that if entrusted with conducting the elections, it would seek to ensure maximum participation through a transparent and accessible voting process. The proposal includes allowing all valid PMDC-registered dentists to vote, removing membership fee requirements for voters, and introducing a reasonable panel-based contribution from contesting groups to help meet election-related expenses.
According to the chapter, these measures are intended to make participation more inclusive while maintaining the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.
Alongside the election update, PDA Lahore Chapter shared an overview of initiatives undertaken during its tenure, emphasizing efforts aimed at professional development, regulatory awareness, public health advocacy, and support for private dental practitioners.
The chapter reiterated its view that professional organizations should prioritize practical skill development and mentorship opportunities for dentists. In line with this approach, team members said they personally contributed toward organizing educational activities designed to benefit colleagues across different stages of their careers.
Among the initiatives highlighted were hands-on clinical training sessions, mentoring programs involving experienced academicians and established private practitioners, and interactive engagements with professionals from outside the dental field to help young dentists develop broader leadership and professional skills.
The chapter also reported continued efforts to raise awareness regarding regulatory compliance and healthcare standards. These activities included guidance related to Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHCC) requirements, clinic registration and licensing procedures, compliance with government regulations, and awareness of cost-effective biomedical waste management practices.
In the area of public health advocacy, PDA Lahore Chapter highlighted the organization of an oral cancer awareness seminar at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), describing it as a significant awareness initiative undertaken with financial support from the chamber.
The organization also conducted an oral cancer awareness session and awareness walk in collaboration with the Punjab Police Department, aimed at drawing attention to the growing burden of oral cancer and promoting preventive health awareness among the wider community.
Another major development highlighted by the chapter was a formal collaboration with the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. According to PDA Lahore, the partnership extends access to approximately 50,000 chamber members as well as their families and employees, creating outreach opportunities that may ultimately benefit more than 100,000 individuals.
The chapter said the initiative is helping connect patients with dental care providers while creating professional opportunities for both experienced and early-career dentists. It added that discussions are ongoing with additional organizations to develop similar collaborations in the future.
Concluding its statement, PDA Lahore Chapter reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives that promote professional growth, strengthen oral health awareness, support ethical practice, and encourage unity within Pakistan's dental community.
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