Following the launch of a new generation of dental examinations, the Dental Examinations Executive will be hosting online drop-in sessions for prospective candidates to ask questions about the new tri-collegiate MFDS and Dental Specialty Fellowship examinations commencing in October 2026. Part 1 applications are open and will close on Thursday 16 July 2026, or earlier if capacity is reached.
A new generation of examinations has launched
The Dental Examinations Executive is a tri‑collegiate body responsible for the development and delivery of postgraduate dental examinations on behalf of the three UK Surgical Royal Colleges - the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
The new generation of examinations comprises of the membership examination, designed to assess the competence of a General Dental Council (GDC)‑registered dentist practising at the level of a Dental Core Trainee completing the third year of training, and provides a recognised gateway for entry into dental specialty training. The specialty fellowship examinations assess competence at the standard expected of a dental specialist seeking entry to the GDC Specialist List.
These new examinations replace a range of specialty membership and fellowship examinations delivered by individual Colleges or groupings of Colleges. By bringing the three UK Surgical Royal Colleges together, the Dental Examinations Executive delivers a consistent examination experience for all candidates, irrespective of location, training pathway, or College of affiliation.
The examinations form one key part of the UK dental career journey, with the examinations providing independent evidence of progression, mapped to the GDC curricula, and used alongside other evidence, such as workplace-based assessments, in determining career progression.
The new examinations will also be available to those who are not completing a traditional training pathway with open access to sit them, both in the UK and internationally, removing obstacles to career progression. This inclusive approach will benefit those who may have taken a different path through their career.
Register for a drop-in session
Prospective candidates can register for a drop-in session and ask questions about the application process or any general questions they may have about the examinations and their arrangements. Suggested topics that prospective candidates may wish to ask about include, but are not limited to:
- Identification requirements
- Application documents
- Exam eligibility
- Qualification reciprocity
- General exam arrangements
Drop-in sessions are available on the following dates and times:
- Tuesday 19 May 2026, 12.30 to 13.30
- Thursday 18 June 2026, 12.30 to 13.30
- Tuesday 14 July 2026, 17.30 to 18.30
- Wednesday 12 August 2026, 12.30 to 13.30
- Tuesday 22 September, 17.30 to 18.30
To register for a drop-in session or to apply for the new MFDS or Dental Specialty Fellowship examinations, visit the Dental Examinations Executive website.
List of specialties to be covered by the new approach:
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral Medicine
- Oral Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Paediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Special Care Dentistry
List of specialties not covered:
- Dental and Maxillofacial
- RadiologyOral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral Microbiology