Course Description
The LDS, awarded by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, is the UK’s oldest dental qualification. It consists of three parts, and passing grants full GDC registration.
LDS PART 1
LDS part 1 exam is comprised of two papers, each of up to three hours in duration conducted on the same day. The format will be the 150 single best answer (SBA) questions in each paper, mainly on knowledge and its application to:
- Paper A clinically applied dental science and clinically applied human disease.
- Paper B aspects of clinical dentistry, law, and ethics, and health and safety
LDS Part 1 online based exam.
In order to progress to Part 2, both Part 1 papers need to be passed in one sitting. If either paper is failed candidates will be required to re-sit all of Part 1.
From 2026 LDS Part 1 will be held in February and August 2026 at a capacity of 500. (That’s 5 times more than previously allocated slots)
Up to four attempts are allowed for each part of the exam.
LDS PART 2
The Part 2 exam of the LDS will be held over a two-day period and consists of two sections:
- Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) consisting of 12 stations, each of 7 minute duration; Will happen in a circuit. You will be tested on 12 OSCE Station.OSCES will be comprised of three types: Actor OSCES, Written OSCES & Medical Emergency
- A 6-case Structured Clinical Reasoning examination assessing diagnosis and treatment planning. The new Structured Clinical Reasoning examination will replace the current Unseen Case Examination and will be assessed through direct candidate and examiner interaction.
Candidates must pass Part 2 within five years of passing Part 1. Up to three attempts are allowed for the Part 2 exam. It is a candidate’s responsibility to apply for resits..
The LDS Part 2 exam is delivered at the RCS England Examinations Suite, London, UK.
Read the LDS exam regulations and LDS Part 2 application guidance.
1-OSCE
✅ Complete interactive live lectures & Recorded scenario-based 50+ exam cases.
✅ Practice sessions with Ex Examiners
✅ Video case presentation & practice (Examiner–Candidate–Actor simulation)
✅ Mastering ORE Communication session with exam role play actor.
✅ Digital Mock Tests with Structured OSCE Case Checklists (DDC Dental’s exclusive innovative self-assessment)
2-Medical Emergencies
✅ Updated medical emergency notes & BDA emergency drugs list
✅ New ME video lecture series
3-SCR
✅Master the new SCR format with structured training on diagnosis using a logical, examiner-focused clinical reasoning approach.
✅Develop predictable treatment planning skills on new SCR structure.
COURSE FEATURES:
Access to updated live and recorded sessions.
Access to the LDS-2 E-learning Platform (with regularly updated feedbacks)
Updated handouts delivered to your Home.
WhatsApp group for continuous support till Pass Exam
Weekly mentors guidance sessions
Communication skills development session with Exam Actor.
Focused Revision sessions before exam.
Study at your own pace with unlimited playback options
Flexible scheduling to fit your routine.
LDS PART 3: DENTAL MANIKIN
The Part 3 exam of the LDS will be held over a one-day period and consist of one section:
An 180-minute operative assessment on a dental manikin, designed to test your practical clinical dental skills.
Reference: RCS website
Candidates must pass Part 2 to be eligible to apply for Part 3. Up to three attempts are allowed for the Part 3 exam. It is a candidate’s responsibility to apply for resits.
The LDS Part 3 exam will be delivered at Queen Mary University of London, UK.
Results are scheduled to be released 5-6 weeks after the exam.
