Applications are invited for Examiners for the Panel of Examiners for the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations.
Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland are now working together to introduce an Intercollegiate approach to Specialty Curricula assessment. This will cover 10 specialties (as listed at end of document), supporting trainees to demonstrate the specialist knowledge, skills and capabilities required for progression. The new examinations will start in 2026 and examiners will be asked to play an important role in developing these and work with the team supporting the new exams.
The Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations requires a panel of examiners to initially build the material required for the examinations and to help prepare other supporting elements for the new examinations. The panel of examiners comprises individuals who can undertake assessment of the candidates’ nominated subject in the examinations for the award of fellowship in the specialty. Examiners on the panel will be involved in assessing candidates when delivery commences.
Recruitment for examiners will be conducted in a phased approach. Phase one applications will be invited from applicants who are currently practising in the UK or Ireland. Phase 2 will invite applications for examiners who practise outside the UK and Ireland.
An Exam Board will be formed from the list of examiners selected.
We therefore invite applications for phase one through this link: Examiner application form.
Applications for this phase of examiner recruitment will close at 9am on 12 May 2025.
Application Submission
Phase 1
Submit your application for phase one through the link below.
Apply herePerson Specification
Applicants should be a Dental Fellow or Member of one of the Royal Colleges in the United Kingdom or Ireland.
The applicant will have held a primary dental qualification recognised by the General Dental Council or Irish Dental Council for a period of not less than 7 years and have been on the relevant GDC specialist list for a minimum of 3 years.
The applicant can demonstrate experience contributing to postgraduate assessment through responses to the questions noted in the application form.
The secretariat reserves the right to request references if required at a later date.
Responsibilites
- Report to the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations Chairperson, and the
Specialty Exam Board Chair. - Participate in the development of the examinations by contributing to question
writing, planning, and discussions on policy and processes where needed. - Be available to participate in diets of the Examination as requested by the Specialty
Exam Board Chair. - Prepare and develop examination materials and model answers on an ongoing
basis. - Participate in meetings of the Examiner Panel as required by the Chairperson.
- Actively participate in ensuring that the examinations are of the highest standards.
- Assess candidates following the principles outlined in training courses (mandatory
completion required) and guidance documents. - Complete all marking and any related documentation in accordance with
guidelines. - Observe strict confidentiality about the performance of candidates.
- Act to promote the examination on behalf of the Colleges.
- Abide by the principles set out in the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations
Examiner Code of Conduct.
Training
- The Secretariat will provide training for all examiners.
- All appointed examiners will be expected to contribute to the development of the
question bank and attend appropriate further training. - Dates for the online examiner training course are being planned, and examiners
must attend a training course and observe a relevant College specialty examination
before being permitted to examine. - All examiners are required to complete training every three years to ensure
continued alignment with current standards and best practice.
Commitment Required
The term of engagement will be for four years. The successful applicant will be required to attend up to 10 days of meetings/exams per year.