The RCSEd Diploma in Implant Dentistry equips general dental practitioners with a wide range of theoretical and practical skills required in dental implantology.
Uplee Darbar, RCSEd Diploma in Implant Dentistry Convener, gives us insights into the examination format and how to best prepare for it. Ulpee is a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Director of Dental Education at Eastman Dental Hospital with a specific interest in implant dentistry. She maintains a busy clinical practice focusing on the management of complex and challenging cases.
Who is the Diploma in Implant Dentistry for and what opportunities does passing the exam provide?
"The Diploma is aimed for general dental practitioners with an interest in implant dentistry including minor augmentation. It focuses on assessing the application of knowledge, planning, clinical judgement, communication and practical skills required for independent dental implant practice in the UK and internationally and does not test competency at the execution of these procedures nor the detailed knowledge of the more advanced procedures. Successful candidates will be awarded the College Diploma in recognition of the acquisition of skills to a specified standard in implant dentistry assessed by an independent group of peers who are experts in the field. This independent credit is an accolade recognised patients and others as a sign of excellence within the field."
What is the exam format?
"The exam consists of 4 components aimed to test different aspects. The written papers will test the theoretical knowledge, its application and underpinning information needed for decision making. The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCEs) will test different aspects of communication skills and practical/procedural undertaken in relation to implant dentistry. The final component, the structured oral examination on clinical scenarios, aims to test reasoning, clinical judgement and decision-making skills across the breadth and depth of managing a case simulating a ‘live situation’ requiring implant treatment. Each component must be passed independently with no compensation allowed between components."
How can candidates prepare for the examination and what tips would you give them when revising for it?
"The first step to preparing for the examination is to download the candidate instructions from the college website becoming familiar with these and the learning outcomes and the blueprint. The learning outcomes define the syllabus of the examination and provide an overview of the areas that candidates need to structure their learning around. The associated blueprint is invaluable in providing candidates guidance on the scope of what will be examined under each component part of the exam. The key message I would give candidates is to familiarise themselves with the candidates instructions and keep reminding themselves of these as this will be beneficial in reminding them of what will be assessed in the examination.
The College provides an interactive preparation course which uses lectures, tutorials, and a Mock OSCE demonstration to help candidates become familiar with the component parts of the examination. Candidates will also find it helpful to try and use their day to day clinical implant practice to help embed basic principles as outlined within the learning outcomes."
To learn more about the Diploma in Implant Dentistry and apply, visit this page.