Earlier this year, a new generation of dental examinations were launched by the Dental Examinations Executive. The next diet of the tri-collegiate Part 1 MFDS and Dental Specialty Fellowship examinations will take place in late January/early February. The application window is open and will close midday on 18 November 2026.
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.
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.
Register for an online drop-in session
Prospective candidates can register for an online 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
The next online drop-in session is on Tuesday 22 September, 17.30 to 18.30
To register for the drop-in session, visit the Dental Examinations Executive website.
Closing date for applications
Dentists who are interested in applying for Part 1 of the new examinations should note that the closing date for the examinations taking place in January/early February will close on 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