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Abstract

Background/purpose: Basic sciences subjects including anatomy, physiology and biochemistry form the foundation of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme. However, empirical evidence linking the basic science academic performance to sustained academic achievement across subsequent clinical years remains limited. This is true for low and medium sized economies like Pakistan.

Materials and methods: A retrospective, quantitative, and longitudinal cohort study was conducted.  The deidentified data from a representative dental college was used. Basic science examination scores from the 1st professional year examination served as predictor variables. The examination scores across 14 subjects served as outcome variables. Pearson product-moment correlations and simple linear regression analysis were performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

Results: The basic science composite was significantly correlated with all 14 later-year subjects (r = 0.358 – 0.737; P-values < 0.01 to < 0.001) and with the later year composite (r = 0.629, P-value < 0.001, R² = 0.605). Anatomy demonstrated the strongest individual predictive correlations, particularly for dental materials (r = 0.766), pharmacology (r = 0.737), and oral biology (r = 0.723). Even 4th professional year clinical subjects showed significant prediction from 1st year basic sciences (r = 0.503 – 0.683).

Conclusion: The 1st professional year basic science performance is a strong predictor of academic achievement, accounting for 60.5% of variance in later-year performance. These findings support the foundational role of basic sciences in dental curricula and provide a strong rationale for early academic risk identification and targeted remediation

Publication Date

2026

Received Date

May 6 2026

Accepted Date

May 31 2026

Final Revision Date

May 31 2026

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