What is the MFDS dental exam?
For those looking to get their teeth into a career in dentistry, the MFDS is a qualification that proves you're a top dentist. Let's have a look at what this means!
To become a licensed dentist, you'll need to hold certain qualifications. The MFDS is a qualification available for all dental graduates and practitioners to help you pursue a career in general or specialist practice. Here we break down the entry requirements, costs and what exactly the MFDS exam includes.
What is the MFDS?
MFDS stands for The Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry. It is a postgraduate qualification that dental graduates can take to deepen their knowledge. The Royal College of Surgeons offers this qualification to those already practising dentistry. Passing the exam means you'll become a member of a UK Royal College.
MFDS exam overview
The MFDS is divided into two parts. You can complete both parts over a maximum of five years and you must complete part 1 before you can take part 2.
MFDS part 1
Part 1 is a 150-question single-based answer test. This is a single written paper which you'll have three hours to complete and can now be taken online. Each question is equally weighted in marks and it isn't negatively marked. This means if you get a question wrong you won't lose marks and will receive a zero for that particular answer.
MFDS part 2
Part 2 tests your communication skills, clinical competence and clinical reasoning skills.
It's a two-and-a-half-hour structured clinical exam made of 14 stations that are completed face-to-face. 11 of the stations are assessed and three will be preparatory. You will need to reach a single minimum standard for the circuit as a whole to pass the exam.
You can take this exam at any point after completing 12 months in clinical dentistry and have up to five years to complete part 2 after finishing part 1.
How much does the MFDS cost?
Today, the cost of part 1 is £535 and part 2 is £700. If you complete part 1 with the Royal College of Surgeons England, you can get a 10% discount if you later book part 2 with them. It's good to be aware that places for the exam are offered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Who is eligible to take the MFDS?
The requirements for taking the MFDS exam are typically as follows:
- Already have an existing qualification to the Boards of the FDS at the Royal College of Surgeons
- Be already registered to practice dentistry in your country
- Have completed 18 months of full-time postgraduate experience in dentistry or the equivalent time part-time.
What are the benefits of taking the MFDS?
While the MFDS isn't a required qualification needed to become a dentist or dental practitioner, there are benefits to studying the MFDS. It shows employers and patients that you have a deep understanding of both the knowledge and application that is recognised by a prestigious body.
By passing the MFDS exam, you are admitted as a member of the Royal College and can use the letters after your name, to signify this qualification clearly and let people know they're in safe hands!
