A new generation of exams
Our College is working in partnership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Surgeons of England on the development of a new generation of dental exams.
On behalf of the three colleges, our College hosts the secretariat for the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations (DSFE) and new Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS). We are responsible for the management and delivery of these important exams.
These tri-collegiate assessments will establish a consistent standard across the UK and will replace the existing membership, specialty membership and fellowship exams for all colleges.
Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations
The new DSFE exams are expected to be launched in late 2026. Completion of the MFDS will be a requirement for entry. Dental trainees who started their training from September 2024 will be required to sit these new exams as part of their training pathway.
DSFE will cover the following specialties: Dental public health, endodontics, oral medicine, oral surgery, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry and special care dentistry.
The new DSFE exam format will be in two parts: a written paper consisting of single best answer questions/multiple choice questions and a structured oral examination.
Current specialty membership and fellowship exams will continue to be delivered until the new DSFE exams are introduced. Transitional arrangements are in place to assist candidates impacted by the exam changes.
To keep up to date with the latest news, visit the DSFE website.
.jpg)
Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS)
Until the introduction of the new MFDS exam in early 2027, our current membership-level exams – MFDS Part 1 (written, online) and MFDS Part 2 (OSCE) – will continue to be delivered in our centres in Glasgow, Manchester and Hong Kong.
The current MFDS will be accepted for entry to the new DSFE exams.
Join our community
Join us todayGrow your career
Develop your clinical and non-clinical skills through exclusive courses, events and global networking opportunities.
Unlock benefits
Get access to exclusive membership benefits, including discounts on courses, conferences, exams, scholarships and support.
Join a global community
Connect with like-minded professionals committed to advancing and shaping the future of healthcare.