Overview
The Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery Diploma, or, MFDS for short, is an internationally recognised qualification that entitles you to become a member of a UK Royal College. The exam is split into Part 1 and Part 2 – which can both be completed with us.
The MFDS is a key part of advancing your dental career and pursuing opportunities such as specialist training. The MFDS goes beyond your foundation training curriculum and demonstrates you have the required knowledge to enter specialist practice.
Our College is working in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England and have launched a new generation of dental exams. This tri-collegiate body is known as the Dental Examinations Executive and by creating this new approach it will enable consistency for trainees and provide clearer pathways to dental career excellence. Full details are available in The MFDS qualification is changing section below.
If you are preparing for MFDS or planning to sit it in the future, please review the documents below, which outline the new exam structure, important timelines and the final dates for the current MFDS sittings.
Old syllabus
Please note that the final diet of MFDS Part 1 is now closed.
The final diet of MFDS Part 2 (old syllabus) will take place in spring 2027 (we will announce details on when applications are open on this page and on our exam pages).
If you are preparing for MFDS or planning to sit it in the future, please review Information for Candidates, which outline the new exam structure, important timelines and the final dates for the current MFDS sittings.
What does this mean for you?
The new MFDS is designed to assess the knowledge, skills and professional judgement expected of a dental core trainee at the completion of three years of training. It provides an important step towards entry into dental specialty training.
The examination continues to consist of a Part 1 written assessment and a Part 2 Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), and remains open to both UK and internationally qualified dentists. Full details are available in The MFDS qualification is changing section below.
Once you have passed the exam you are eligible to join the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow as a Member.
Advance your career with College membership
Joining the College offers you the unique opportunity to become part of a global network committed to excellence in patient care and medical innovation.
As a Member, you’ll gain access to invaluable resources that’ll support your professional growth, including substantial discounts on world-class courses and conferences, a suite of digital learning tools tailored to your needs and the use of internationally recognised postnominals.
You can start your journey with us as an Affiliate Member for just £17 per year while you complete your MFDS exams.
MFDS exams
The MFDS exam assesses the clinical knowledge and communication skills expected of dentists in training. It includes Part 1 (written) and Part 2 (OSCE). Read more about each part below.
MFDS Part 1
MFDS Part 1 is a written examination that tests the applied clinical knowledge and understanding required for safe and effective dental practice. Applications for the final Part 1 diet are now closed.
MFDS Part 2
MFDS Part 2 is a practical examination that assesses your clinical, communication and professional skills required for safe and effective dental practice. The final diet under the current syllabus will take place in Spring 2027. Applications will open soon.
Your Diploma
Following your successful completion of the MFDS examination, you will be awarded your Diploma and become eligible for membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
Once you have passed both Part 1 and Part 2 of the MFDS, we will send your Diploma by post.
We also invite you to celebrate your achievement and your admission to the College as a Member, at one of our Diploma Ceremonies, held multiple times each year at our College in Glasgow.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the MFDS qualification is changing over 2026 and 2027 as the three UK Surgical Royal Colleges introduce a new tri-collegiate MFDS examination. Full details are available in The MFDS qualification is changing section above. Additional information on the final diets of the current format, and transitional arrangements, can be found in Information for Candidates above.
- Part 1 is a written, multiple-choice exam testing applied clinical knowledge.
- Part 2 is an OSCE-style exam assessing communication, professionalism and clinical decision-making.
Yes. Candidates who are unsuccessful in Part 1 or Part 2 may retake the exam in a future diet. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must submit a new application and pay the exam fee for each attempt.
What our Members say
I am proud to be a part of the College, the MFDS journey enhanced my confidence in clinical practice and patient management across diverse scenarios.
- Aleesha Qutubuddin Attar, Dentist
Recognition and career advancement
Use your membership to demonstrate commitment to excellence and enhance your specialist registration journey.
Join a global community
Connect with like-minded professionals committed to advancing and shaping the future of healthcare.
Unlock benefits
Get access to exclusive membership benefits, including discounts on courses, conferences, exams, scholarships and support.
Any questions about this exam?
Our team is here to help. Email us via the link below, or phone +44 (0) 141 221 6072.
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