MFDS Exam

Plan and explore your dental career journey with RCSEd's support every step of the way

What is the MFDS?

The MFDS (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) is a long-established and internationally recognised dental qualification. It represents a level of achievement that goes above and beyond the primary dental qualification. For those aspiring to enter specialty training, the MFDS provides a valuable addition to their portfolio of evidence, demonstrating their suitability and eligibility for advanced training opportunities.


Supporting your dental career every step of the way

Free One-Year Affiliation

Take advantage of our free one-year affiliation with the College, giving you access to to FDS RCSEd membership benefits, including career and educational support. To claim your free affiliation visit page 2 of our FDS brochure.

FDS Brochure
Exam Locations Worldwide

Benefit from a variety of locations throughout the UK and internationally, as well as flexibility on the dates you can take your MFDS exam.

Discounts and Benefits

Discounts for Dental Affiliates among other benefits.

Affiliate Network Benefits
Research Grants

We are committed to offering you financial support as well as research grants available every year.

Funding and Recognition Opportunities
Dental Events

Develop your skills with our dedicated dental events.

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Dental Courses

Develop your skills with our dedicated dental courses.

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Dental Webinars

Develop your skills with our dedicated dental webinars.

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Dental Exams

Choose from a wide range of dental exams to further your education.

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FDS Post-Nominals

You will receive FDS post-nominals, indicating your commitment to the profession and inclusion in our register of college members.

Faculty of Dental Surgery

Dedicated dental faculties: the Faculty of Dental Surgery.

Faculty of Dental Surgery
Faculty of Dental Trainers

Dedicated dental faculties: the Faculty of Dental Trainers.

Faculty of Dental Trainers

Why take the MFDS at the RCSEd?

  • Becoming a member of the RCSEd means you will be joining the largest Faculty of Dental Surgery in the UK, as well as being part of a network of over 30,000 dental and surgical professionals worldwide.
  • Whether you are based in the UK or overseas, our dedicated Regional Dental Ambassadors are here to support you no matter your location or career grade.

MFDS Exam

The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh offers the examination at a variety of locations throughout the UK and internationally. The MFDS examination is made up of two parts, Part 1 and Part 2.

The MFDS Part II OSCE Preparatory Course will support candidates in their preparation for the MFDS Part II OSCE. It will ensure candidates have a better understanding of how to present for the MFDS Part II OSCE examination.  It will also provide candidates an opportunity to practice OSCEs.

MFDS Part 1

Part 1 of the MFDS is a three-hour written examination comprising of 180 Single Best Answer (SBA) questions. This question paper is designed to test your knowledge and the deeper understanding and application of that knowledge in a clinical context.

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MFDS Part 2

Part 2 of the MFDS is a two-hour Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), designed to assess your communication skills and your knowledge, understanding and management of a range of common conditions. The examination consists of 10 stations which are examined, plus a number of rest stations.

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MFDS Part II OSCE Preparatory Course

This one day course will support candidates in their preparation for the MFDS Part II OSCE. It will ensure candidates have a better understanding of how to present for the MFDS Part II OSCE examination. It will also provide candidates an opportunity to practice OSCEs.

Book Here

The MFDS Exam — Q&A with Dr Shan Gandhi

Click here to gain insights into the examination, its format and how best to apply and prepare for it from Dr Shan Gandhi, advisor to the MFDS and Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry at Birmingham Dental Hospital and School of Dentistry. 


Online MFDS Revision

Access our online MFDS revision webinars here


MFDS Career Pathway



Contact us

For any queries, please email the Dental Examinations department: dental.exams@rcsed.ac.uk