MFDS PART-1
What is the MFDS?
The MFDS (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) is a long-established and internationally recognised dental qualification. It represents a level of achievement that goes above and beyond the primary dental qualification. For those aspiring to enter specialty training, the MFDS provides a valuable addition to their portfolio of evidence, demonstrating their suitability and eligibility for advanced training opportunities.
Exam Overview
MFDS Part 1
The Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) is an internationally recognised dental qualification which demonstrates completion of foundation/basic postgraduate dental training.
The MFDS consists of Part 1 and Part 2 exams. Candidates will normally be allowed a maximum of five years in which to complete all parts but will need to pass Part 1 before progressing to Part 2.
MFDS is conducted by 3 Royal college of Surgeons:
Royal College of Surgeons of England
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
MFDS RCS- England
MFDS RCS England Part 1 consists of 150 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions within a single three hour paper. The questions carry equal marks.
MFDS Part-1 is online remote based exam.
Exam happens twice a year and visit RCS website for next exam date. https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/mfds-part-1/
MFDS RCS- Edinburgh & Glasgow
The exam is bi-collegiate and is organised jointly by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. The papers sat at each of the Colleges at any particular sitting are identical and are held simultaneously.
The exam consists of of 180 multiple choice questions (single best answer type) and it will be three hours in duration.
Benefits of the MFDS
The MFDS marks a level of achievement above and beyond the primary dental qualification and clearly exhibits an early commitment to professional development.
For those aspiring to enter specialty training, it will also provide a significant contribution to the portfolio of evidence that would be required to indicate suitable eligibility.
Opportunity to demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge, understanding and clinical competence that will have been obtained during Dental Foundation Training.
UPDATE:
The MFDS (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) exam will become a mandatory requirement for entry into the new dental specialty fellowship examinations starting in September 2026.
More Information:
https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/education-and-exams/exams/search/mfds-part-1/
