NDPC 2026 revolutionizes dental education with Pakistan’s first live digital competition

KARACHI: Pakistan’s dental academic scene reached a new milestone with the groundbreaking National Dental Presentation Competition 2026 (NDPC 2026), the country’s first-ever live national digital contest for dentistry. The competition showcased how technology can elevate learning, research, and collaboration across the nation’s dental colleges.

The event was organized by the Dental Outreach Department of Liaquat College of Medicine & Dentistry (LCMD) in partnership with Bosch Pharmaceuticals and guided by the forward-looking vision of Prof. Dr. Navid Rashid Qureshi, Principal LCMD, whose commitment to innovation and academic excellence shaped the competition’s success.

NDPC 2026 attracted an unprecedented 211 entries from 33 dental colleges nationwide, highlighting the depth of talent and the growing research culture among both students and faculty. The competition featured a structured, multi-phase evaluation process that included digital screening, merit-based shortlisting, and a live finale, ensuring fairness, transparency, and rigorous academic standards.

The grand live finale brought together over 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 (PG Resident, Operative Dentistry) and Dr. Shafaq Sohail (Demonstrator, Paediatric Dentistry), who engaged audiences through an exciting and intellectually stimulating program.

An expert panel of judges, including Prof. Dr. Farhat Jaffari, Dr. Kashif Naqvi, Prof. Dr. Sidra Mohiuddin, Dr. Sameer Qureshi, Dr. Mariam Iqbal, Dr. Tanzeela Shaikh, and Dr. Areej Azhar, meticulously evaluated the presentations, ensuring impartiality and academic credibility.

Winners of NDPC 2026:

• Undergraduate Category:

  • 1st: Hafsa Binte Imran, Karachi Medical & Dental College – Rs. 100,000

  • 2nd: Raima Farrukh, Watim Dental College – Rs. 50,000

• Faculty Category:

  • 1st: Dr. Amna Shaukat, Nishtar Institute of Dentistry – Rs. 100,000

  • 2nd: Dr. M. Babar Khan, Bashir Dental College – Rs. 50,000

• Audience Choice Award:

  • Arfah Goraya, University Medical & Dental College

  • Ali Haider, LCMD

  • Consolation Prizes: Saba Aziz (Karachi Medical & Dental College), Dr. Kashaf Abbas (Islamic International Dental College)

Behind the scenes, the seamless execution of NDPC 2026 was led by Chief Organizer Prof. Dr. Uzma Zareef and Dr. Rizwan Hassan, supported by Chief Coordinators Dr. Amna Afridi and Dr. Saba Shahid, with operational leads Dr. Duaa Ali, Dr. Sarmad Khan, and Dr. Zoha Naqvi and a dedicated team of Dr. Iqra Ali, Dr. Rabail Khero, Dr. Hassan Sadiq, and Dr. Mariyam Amoudi ensuring flawless digital management and result compilation.

NDPC 2026 was more than just a competition. It set a new benchmark for dental education in Pakistan by combining visionary leadership, structured evaluation, and nationwide digital collaboration. By uniting students, faculty, and judges in a live national forum, LCMD and Bosch Pharmaceuticals have demonstrated how technology can elevate academic standards, foster research, and provide equal exposure for talent across the country.

With NDPC 2026, the future of Pakistan’s dental community looks more connected, innovative, and academically empowered than ever before.