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MFD Examination

(Available to Sit Online Worldwide)

View Examinations Calendar

The MFD RCSI is an examination that can be taken by dentists at any stage of their career: for example, newly qualified, those hoping to undertake specialist training, those working in general practice. The examination does not require specialist knowledge: what is expected is that which would be reasonably expected of a dental school graduate with 1-2 years post-qualification experience.

The examination places a strong emphasis on clinical dentistry, with some questions on the underlying relevant clinical sciences. The examination consists of two parts. Candidates who successfully complete both parts of the MFD examination are awarded the Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry (RCSI) qualification.

Historically offered as a face to face examination, the Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI recently announced the development of an online format of the MFD examination.

The online MFD Part 1 consists of one 3 hour assessment with:

  1. 375 True/ False MCQs (keeping the same format from the written version, there are 75 stems with 5 parts each which are either true or false)
  2. 33 Single Best Answer questions (where a statement is presented and candidates select what they feel is the “best” or most appropriate answer.

The online MFD Part 2 consists of one 90 minute assessment with:

  • 15 OSCE / Clinical Scenario based questions where you will enter your responses online.

To access the online MFD Part 1 and 2 examinations, candidates require the following technology: 

  • Internet connection (ideally hardwired ethernet, or alternatively Wi-Fi with continuous internet speed of a minimum of 2MBps, but preferably higher)
  • Laptop / computer with at least 4GB of RAM (no chrome books, tablets or surface pro)
  • A working webcam, microphone and speakers
  • Windows 7+ or Mac 10.10+
  • Intel Core i3 (or equivalent)
  • Mobile phone with a rear facing camera

Fees
MFD Part 1 - €850 Euros
MFD Part 2 - €950 Euros

 

Candidates who are interested in sitting the MFD Part 1 examination, may wish to apply to sit the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry (Dip PCD RCSI) examination instead. The Dip PCD RCSI is an international exam open to all dentists, in all parts of the world and can be taken at any time following graduation. Candidates who are successful in the examination are awarded the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry RCSI qualification and may enter directly into the RCSI MFD Part 2 examination.

Notice to MJDF (Membership of the Faculty of the Joint Dental Faculties) Candidates:

Candidates with MJDF Part 1 can apply directly into MFD Part 2. While the Faculty of Dentistry normally expects candidates to have completed MJDF Part 1 within the previous 5 years, we will allow considerations on a case by case basis for a limited period. Similarly candidates in possession of MFD/MFDS Part 1 or the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry (Dip PCD RCSI) qualification can apply directly into MFD Part 2.

Please browse through the links to find out more about the MFD RCSI Examination.

MFD Frequently Asked Questions

The MFD Part 1 online exam consists of a 3 hour assessment, where you will enter your answers online. The format consists of 375 True/ False MCQs (there are 75 stems with 5 parts each which are either true or false). Along with 33 Single Best Answer questions (where a statement is presented and candidates select what they feel is the “best” or most appropriate answer).

Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate dental qualification recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. The examination may be taken at any time following graduation from Dental School.

Yes, the exam is available to all eligible candidates worldwide, once you meet our minimum software/technology requirements. The online MFD Part 1 exam is a great opportunity to allow candidates to complete the exam from the comfort of one’s own home particularly in the current Covid-19 climate. This is a carefully planned new format, which the Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI hopes will continue to allow candidates to be assessed and progress with their careers.

The MFD Part 1 is structured to be 50/50 basic sciences and clinical dentistry. In the Diploma exam, the emphasis on clinical dentistry accounts for approximately 80% of the examination. Both are three hour exams are both have the same exam format of 75 MCQs and 33 SBAs.

As both exams are equivalent, that will be each candidates individual decision. However, the Diploma exam allows you to gain another set of qualifications from RCSI – Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry (RCSI), which MFD Part 1 does not offer. Passing either the Diploma or MFD Part 1 will allow you to sit MFD Part 2 (candidates should normally be a minimum of 12 months graduated from Dental School when presenting for MFD Part 2).

The online exam is taken on a computer using a third party application. Instead of writing answers using pen and paper, or in the case of multiple choice - using bubble sheets, everything is done electronically on a computer, so depending on the questions types used, you might be selecting the answer by clicking your mouse or using your keyboard to enter data.

To access the online MFD Part 1 exam candidates will require the following technology:

  • Internet connection (ideally hardwired ethernet, or alternatively Wi-Fi with continuous internet speed of a minimum of 2MBps, but preferably higher)
  • Laptop / computer with at least 4GB of RAM (no chrome books, tablets or surface pro)
  • A working webcam, microphone and speakers
  • Windows 7+ or Mac 10.10+
  • Intel Core i3 (or equivalent)
  • Mobile phone with a rear facing camera

The examination fee is €850 (Euros)

You can view and register for our online exams here. Our online exams are very popular and to maintain the quality, we only have a limited capacity for each of the online exams that we run.

No exemptions are offered from any part of the examination.

There is no limit on the number of attempts for this examination. However, examiners may, at their discretion, defer for two years, a candidate whose performance is such that re-examining within such a time is not considered to be in his/her best interest.

We would advise candidates to ideally have a hardwired ethernet connection, or alternatively Wi-Fi that has a high Mpbs speed. You can check your Mpbs speed here - https://www.speedtest.net/

The online MFD Part 2 consists of one 90 minute assessment and will include 15 OSCE/Clinical Scenario based questions, where you will enter your response online. The contents of the traditional viva voce have been incorporated into the extra questions within the online paper which has been very carefully designed and standard set. Therefore, for the time being, there will not be a separate viva voce for the online MFD Part 2 exam.

The traditional clinical section/skills station will not take place online. However, some questions may arise in relation to this section.

Candidates should normally be a minimum of 12 months graduated from Dental School when presenting for MFD Part 2. Candidates must be in possession of MFD Part 1 or equivalent (Part 1 MFDS, MJDF) OR possession of the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry [DipPCDRCSI]. A valid CPR/BLS cert dated within the past 2 years is also a requirement.

Yes, the exam is available to all eligible candidates worldwide, once you meet our minimum software/technology requirements. The online MFD Part 2 exam is a great opportunity to allow candidates to complete the exam from the comfort of one’s own home particularly in the current Covid-19 climate. This is a carefully planned new format, which the Faculty of Dentistry, RCSI hopes will continue to allow candidates to be assessed and progress with their careers.

No, we hope that we will be able to hold face-to-face sittings again in the near future. We may also continue to hold some online sittings to coincide with this.

The online exam is taken on a computer using a third party application. Instead of writing answers using pen and paper, or in the case of multiple choice - using bubble sheets, everything is done electronically on a computer, so depending on the questions types used, you might be selecting the answer by clicking your mouse or using your keyboard to enter data.

To access the online MFD Part 2 exam candidates will require the following technology:

  • Internet connection (ideally hardwired ethernet, or alternatively Wi-Fi with continuous internet speed of a minimum of 2MBps, but preferably higher)
  • Laptop / computer with at least 4GB of RAM (no chrome books, tablets or surface pro)
  • A working webcam, microphone and speakers
  • Windows 7+ or Mac 10.10+
  • Intel Core i3 (or equivalent)
  • Mobile phone with a rear facing camera

The examination fee is €950 (Euros)

You can view and register for our online exams here. Our online exams are very popular and to maintain the quality, we only have a limited capacity for each of the online exams that we run.

Candidates who have completed three years Specialty Training and are 5 years following undergraduate qualification will be exempt MFD Part 1. Also, candidates who hold the MRCS qualification will be exempt MFD Part 1.

Candidates will normally be allowed a maximum of 5 attempts within 5 years to successful complete the MFD Part 2 examination.

The exam questions are all carefully standard set. It is the aggregated marks scored for all the questions that will determine whether a candidate passes the exam.

It is expected that candidates will have competency of typing at least 40 words per minute. The OSCE is a knowledge test where short and succinct answers are required, not essays. Candidates giving concise and to the point answers demonstrating their clear knowledge to the questions will have no difficulties finishing the paper within the time allocated for the exam.

CPR/BLS certificate should normally be completed within the past two years. Certificates must be valid on the date that the exam takes place.

We would advise candidates to ideally have a hardwired ethernet connection, or alternatively Wi-Fi that has a high Mpbs speed. You can check your Mpbs speed here - https://www.speedtest.net/

Yes, whether MFDRCSI is awarded online or face-to-face, the examination is of exactly the same and equal standing.

 

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MGDS Session 1
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CPD

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Chitta Chowdhury

Candidate 1

Qualifications: 

PhD (Japan), FFD RCS (Ireland), MPH ( Univ of Manchester, UK), MFD RCPS Glasgow, BDS (Dhaka Univ), DAND (Dhaka Univ)

Biography:

Professor Chowdhury is the academic dean and dissertation module director at the City of London Dental School, University of Bolton UK. He is trained in oral-maxillofacial surgery from Japan and NHS. He is an MFD-RCS examiner, Dental Executive Board member, Dental Membership and Engagement Board (DMEB), and Dental Regional Advisor – East of England of the RCPS-Glasgow. He published impact research, wrote six books, organized international conferences, and established new departments including courses. He supervises PhD students. He is an editor-in-chief of the British Journal of Translational Global Health. He is a visiting professor at DeMontfort University and Osaka Dental University.

Patrick Cleary

Candidate 2

Qualifications:

BDentSc, MSD (Endo Indiana U.), FFD RCSI, FICD, FACD

Biography:

Graduated from Trinity College Dublin 1981 with BDentSc.
MSD in Endodontics from Indiana University 1986.
Commenced practice limited to endodontics in 1986 and currently practices in Booterstown, Co. Dublin.
Past president of the Irish Dental Association and the Irish Endodontic Society, a specialist member of the American Association of Endodontists and Certified member of the European Society of Endodontology.
Fellow of the Faculty of Dentistry RCSI and of the ICD and ACD.
Examiner on the MFD and FFD.
Has presented at National and International meetings.
Served on the Board and is a past vice-Dean of the Faculty.

Mary Collins

Candidate 3

Qualifications: 

B Dent Sc, FFD (Oral Surg with Oral Med) RCSI, FFD (Oral Surg) RCSI, Board Certified American Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Biography:

Dr Mary Collins graduated from Dublin Dental University hospital. She held several surgical posts in various Oral and Maxillofacial surgery units in England up to Registrar level. She completed Oral and Maxillofacial surgery training In Mass General Hospital, Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Beth Israel Hospital Boston, USA. She is currently a Clinical Lecturer /Oral Surgery Specialist in Dept Oral and Maxillofacial surgery at Dublin University Dental Hospital.

Johanna Glennon

Candidate 4

Qualifications:   

BDentSc., MSc. (Dist.), FFD RCSI (ad eundum)

Biography:

Dr. Johanna Glennon graduated from Trinity College Dublin in 1984. General dental practitioner in the National Health Service, UK for 7 years. Part-time clinical assistant post at the Oral Surgery Department, Pilgrim Hospital, Boston, Lincolnshire for some of that time. In 1994 she received her Masters in Endodontics, with distinction, from University of London. She returned to Ireland and works in private practice limited to Endodontics. She is a part-time Assistant Professor in Restorative Dentistry at Dublin Dental and University Hospital. In 2018 she was awarded her FFD (ad eundum) by the RCSI. She has served as a Board member of the Faculty of Dentistry for the past three years.

Rory Maguire

Candidate 5

Qualifications:

BDS NUI, M.Phil. (Biomat. Sci.) U.Bham., MFD RCSI, M.Dent. Ch. (Perio.) U.Dubl., FFD RCSI (Perio.), Ph. D U.Dubl.

Biography:

Dr. Rory Maguire graduated from Dentistry at the National University of Ireland in 2001. He worked as House officer in Restorative Dentistry and in 2003 completed his Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry of the RCSI. In 2007 Dr. Maguire graduated from the Masters in Dental Surgery program of Trinity College Dublin with 1st Class Honours and completed the Fellowship in Dental Surgery (Periodontics) of the RCSI. Dr Maguire is Director for Ireland of the Academy of Computer Aided Implantology. Dr. Maguire holds a Ph.D in Oral Biosciences and an M.Phil. in Biomaterials Science. Dr. Maguire is in private practice in Dublin.

John Marley

Candidate 6

Qualifications:                 

BSC (Hons) BDS PhD FDSRCS FDSRCS(OS) FFDRCSI

Biography:

John is a Consultant in Oral Surgery at QUB, School of Dentistry. He was Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry. Amongst other developments as Dean/Immediate past Dean, John was responsible for:
• Membership review and creation of Affiliate membership
• A funded Masters programme
• Developing/delivering hands-on/hybrid courses.
• Working in a team role, to deliver on-line MFD2 exams
• Securing professional recording/production of on- line lectures & enabling an extensive on-line learning library.
He was NI Training Programme Director for Oral Surgery, Chair of the UK Tricollegiate Oral Surgery Speciality Examination Board and a Board member of the NI Medical & Dental Training Agency.

Albert Yeung

Candidate 7

Qualifications:                 

BDS, MMedSci, MPHe, MPhil, MFDS RCPS, DDPH RCS, FFD (DPH) RCSI, FDS (DPH) RCPS, FFPH, FHEA, ACIEA, FCGDent                               

Biography: 

Dr Albert Yeung graduated from Glasgow in 1989. He completed his specialty training in dental public health at Manchester and was awarded a Fellowship from RCSI in 2006. He has a diverse background of working experience in dentistry in the UK, including general dental practice, hospitals, community dental service and teaching in dental schools.
Dr Yeung is Consultant in Dental Public Health at NHS Lanarkshire in Scotland. He is an Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer of the University of Glasgow. He is co-editor of the Oxford Dictionary of Dentistry (Second Edition). He is a Professional Adviser to Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.