NRE for Dental Graduates (BDS)
The Dental NRE is the PM&DC licensing exam for graduates of PM&DC-approved foreign dental colleges. Like the medical NRE it is held under Section 18 of the PM&DC Act 2022 and tests whether a BDS graduate is competent to practise independently — but its structure differs in two ways worth knowing early: the theory paper is paper-based rather than computer-based, and the Clinical Skills Examination is split across two separate sessions. Everything below comes from the official 2024 document, downloadable in full.
The essentials
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who it is for | Graduates of PM&DC-approved foreign dental colleges with a BDS or equivalent degree (per the approved foreign degree Nomenclature), holding a PM&DC provisional licence |
| Components | Theory (MCQs) + Clinical Skills Examination (CSE) — both must be passed |
| Theory | 200 MCQs, paper-based, targeting higher cognition |
| CSE Session-1 | 15 stations · 6–10 minutes per station plus 2 minutes changeover · approx. 2–3 hours including briefing |
| CSE Session-2 | 3 stations · 50 minutes per station · approx. 3 hours including briefing |
| Pass mark | 60% in theory, and a combined 60% across CSE Session-1 and Session-2 |
| Negative marking | None in any component |
| Frequency | At least twice a year, at multiple centres across Pakistan |
| Attempts | No bar on the number of attempts at the complete Dental NRE |
| Validity | Theory pass valid 5 years; the CSE must be passed within those 5 years |
The passing rules that catch people out
- You must pass the theory component to be eligible to attempt the CSE.
- Your CSE result is a combined score across Session-1 and Session-2 — you need 60% across both, not 60% in each session separately.
- There are three mandatory stations. You must clear all three: an aggregate of 60% or above with even one mandatory station failed means you fail the entire CSE.
- Fail the CSE having passed theory, and you re-register for the CSE only. After three consecutive CSE failures you sit both components again on the fourth attempt.
- PM&DC may change CSE duration, station count, pass percentage and the number and type of mandatory stations, but must notify any change on its website at least 6 weeks before the CSE begins — a shorter notice period than the medical NRE’s 12 weeks.
Discipline weightage — 200 MCQs
How the theory paper is distributed across disciplines:
| Discipline | No. of MCQs |
|---|---|
| Operative Dentistry including Paediatric Dentistry & Endodontics | 45 |
| Oral Medicine, Diagnosis, Radiology | 25 |
| Prosthodontics | 25 |
| Oral Surgery | 25 |
| Periodontology | 20 |
| Science of Dental Materials | 15 |
| Community and Preventive Dentistry | 15 |
| Pharmacology including Dental Therapeutics | 10 |
| Orthodontics | 10 |
| General Surgery | 5 |
| General Medicine | 5 |
| Total | 200 |
What the CSE assesses
The CSE follows an OSCE format and aims to assess essential clinical skills: interpretation of clinical data including diagnostic data, formulation of diagnosis, and development of management plans. It also covers clinical examination skills and key procedural skills.
The two sessions are structured very differently. Session-1 is the familiar rapid-circuit OSCE — 15 short stations of 6–10 minutes each. Session-2 is only 3 stations but gives 50 minutes per station, so it tests sustained procedural work rather than quick recall.
What the syllabus document contains
Beyond the structure above, the official PDF sets out:
- Appendix 1 — the full syllabus for the theory (MCQs) component of the Dental NRE.
- Appendix 2 — the skills and competencies required of a BDS graduate and a house officer by the end of house job / internship / foundation year.
- A Table of Specifications (TOS) for the Dental NRE.
Download the official document
PM&DC’s NRE (Dental) Standard, Structure and Syllabus 2024, complete with both appendices.
Frequently asked questions
Who has to sit the Dental NRE?+
Graduates of PM&DC-approved foreign dental colleges holding a BDS or equivalent degree and a PM&DC provisional licence. Passing it is mandatory for a full licence to practise as a General Practitioner.
How is the Dental NRE different from the medical NRE?+
Two main differences. The dental theory paper is paper-based, where the medical one is computer-based. And the dental CSE runs across two sessions — 15 short stations, plus 3 long stations of 50 minutes each — instead of the medical exam’s single 20-station circuit.
Which discipline carries the most MCQs?+
Operative Dentistry including Paediatric Dentistry & Endodontics, at 45 of the 200. Oral Medicine/Diagnosis/Radiology, Prosthodontics and Oral Surgery follow at 25 each.
Do I need 60% in each CSE session?+
No — the requirement is a combined 60% across Session-1 and Session-2. But you must still clear all three mandatory stations, whatever your aggregate.
Is there negative marking?+
No. There is no negative marking in any component of the Dental NRE.
How long is my theory pass valid?+
Five years. The CSE must be passed within that window, and after every three consecutive CSE failures you must retake the entire Dental NRE.
More National Registration Examination (NRE / NLE) guidance
Guidance is provided for candidates' convenience and is not an official CPSP publication. Always confirm current rules and criteria at cpsp.edu.pk.