The Membership in Implant Dentistry exam is an internationally recognised qualification which assesses the knowledge, planning, clinical judgement, communication, and practical skills that are required for independent dental implant practice.
Dr Mital Patel, Chair of the Advisory Board for Implant Dentistry for the RCSEd, gives us insights into the examination format and the opportunities that this recognition provides. Mital is a Consultant and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer in Restorative Dentistry at The Royal London Dental Hospital and Queen Mary University of London. A fellow of both the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and England, Mital is a GDC registered specialist in Restorative Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontology and Endodontics and spends two days a week in private practice.
Who is the Membership in Implant Dentistry exam for?
The Membership in Implant Dentistry exam is applicable to all dentists undertaking implant dentistry. This could be in the form of placing implants, restoring them or both. It is an exam that focuses on straight forward cases and is aimed at the level of a minimally competent general dental practitioner who undertakes implant dentistry.
What opportunities does this recognition provide?
Across the world this exam will provide different opportunities and recognition, depending on the dentist's country of practice. Firstly and most importantly, this is an independent exam and not part of any course, and therefore passing the exam will provide the candidate external validation of their implant training, as well as reassure them and any other interested parties that the training they have acquired meets the minimum standard of a safe practitioner undertaking implant dentistry. This validation also comes from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, which is very well recognised internationally. In some countries an exam like this may be what is required to obtain practicing privileges for implant dentistry. We are trying to work with various authorities and indemnity companies to see what this exam could do to help raise standards in implant dentistry all over the world.
What is the exam format?
There are two written papers made of of single best answer questions. This usually takes place on day 1 and is followed by two 10 station OSCE circuits. 10 stations are practical skills related to implant dentistry and 10 are on communication skills. Finally, there are 8 unseen cases for which the candidate will have some time to read over the material and gather their thoughts before having the Oral Structured Examination. Further details are on the website and candidates can also join one of the upcoming Exam Information Sessions on Zoom.
How can candidates best prepare for the examination?
Candidates should start by reading the self declaration form. On this form there is an outline of what we feel is important for the candidate to have completed prior to sitting this exam. They should then download the learning outcomes document and work through each component to ensure they are comfortable with each of the descriptors. If the candidate has completed a modular course and obtained a diploma or an MSc, then they should be well prepared for the exam. It is not essential to have done any particular course and candidates may have acquired the training through multiple CPD courses, self directed learning using the learning outcomes document as a guide and the use of a mentor.
To learn more about the RCSEd Membership in Implant Dentistry, visit this page.