Dentists have begun sitting the new generation of dental examinations. By the end of October, more than 300 candidates will have sat the inaugural diet of the UK dental membership and fellowship examinations delivered by the Dental Examinations Executive. The first diet of the exams took place on Wednesday 7 October 2026 for 5 dental specialties across 3 different test centres across the UK. These exams replace a range of membership and fellowship exams previously delivered by individual colleges or groups of colleges.
Commenting on the inaugural cohort, Professor Sondos Albadri, Chair of the Dental Examinations Executive Board, said: “We are delighted with the launch of a new generation of exams and the strong interest from candidates as this new framework broadens access and provides more opportunities for dentists. We wish all the candidates who are sitting their exams across the four UK-based test centres the very best as they continue their dental career journey.
Seeing more than 130 candidates sit their exams is a real milestone, and a remarkable achievement given the Dental Examinations Executive Board came together less than 18 months ago. These examinations set a single, rigorous UK-wide standard for dentists at key stages of their careers.
I would also like to thank our examiners, Specialty Advisory Committees (SACs), employers, educators and College staff who have worked tirelessly, from inception to delivery, to the development and implementation of the new exams. Their support has helped create a robust and sustainable assessment framework for the future.”
A new generation of examinations
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.
Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations practical guide
To help dentists understand why the exams have changed, how the new exams are structured, and to answer some of the most common questions, dentists can listen to a recorded audio interview between Professor Sondos Albadri (Chairperson for the Dental Specialty Fellowship Exams), Grant McIntyre (Dean for Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh) and Fiona Winter (Director of Education, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow).
The audio interview is for trainees, trainers, examiners and others to hear more about the rationale and structure of the new Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations. The interview covers topics including: what does the exam look like, what it feels like on the day of the exam, how the exams are quality assured, and some frequently asked questions.
To listen to the recorded Question & Answer interview, visit the Dental Examinations Executive website.
Apply for the next diet of examinations
The next diet of the tri-collegiate Part 1 MFDS and Dental Specialty Fellowship examinations will take place in late January/early February. Dentists who are interested in applying should note that the closing date is Wednesday 18 November 2026 12pm (midday) GMT, or earlier if capacity is reached.
To find out more about examination dates, fees and guidance on how to apply for the 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