Historically offered as face to face examinations, the Faculty of Dentistry RCSI's General Dental Examinations (Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry, MFD and MGDS) are now all available in online formats. Please scroll below for further details regarding the formats of these examinations.
Minimum technology requirements: Internet connection (ideally a hardwired ethernet connection, or alternatively Wi-Fi that has a high Mpbs speed). Desktop or laptop computer that has a minimum of 4Gb RAM and a webcam. Windows 7+ or Mac 10.8+
Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry (Dip PCD RCSI)
The Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry (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. The examination can now be taken online from a location of your choice from anywhere in the world. This exam places a strong emphasis on the practice of clinical dentistry, examines knowledge using a variety of assessments such as Multiple Choice Questions and Single Best Answers, and features a high overall success rate.
Online Format
The Diploma is 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).
Qualification
Successful candidates are awarded the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry (RCSI) qualification. Should you be successful in the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry, you can enter directly into the RCSI MFD Part 2 examination.
Fee
€600 Euros
Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry (MFD RCSI)
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. Both parts of the examination can now be taken online from a location of your choice from anywhere in the world.
For information, candidates in posession of the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry [DipPCDRCSI] qualification can apply directly into the MFD Part 2 examination. Similarly candidates in possession of MFD/MJDF/MFDS Part 1 can apply directly into the MFD Part 2.
MFD Part 1 Online Format
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).
MFD Part 2 Online Format
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.
Qualification
Candidates who successfully complete both parts of the MFD examination are awarded the Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry (RCSI) qualification.
Fees
MFD Part 1 - €750 Euros
MFD Part 2 - €850 Euros
Note: 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.
Membership in General Dental Surgery (MGDS RCSI)
The Membership in General Dental Surgery Examination (MGDS RCSI) is an international exam open to all dentists, in all parts of the world. The examination can now be taken online from a location of your choice from anywhere in the world. The scope of the examination is broad and covers all aspects of general dental practice.
Online Format
The Membership in General Dental Surgery Examination has two sections:
Section 1 Day 1 - Written Examination
- 1x 90 minute paper with 15 OSCEs
Section 2 Day 2 - General Viva & Simulated Clinical
- General Viva covering all aspects of the scope of the examination (20 minutes)
- Unseen simulated clinical case or cases (Maximum 2) covering competence in history taking, examination, diagnosis, treatment planning and communications with patients and fellow health care professionals (20 minutes)
Qualification
The MGDS RCSI qualification will be awarded to those who pass both sections of the examination (both sections of the examination must be passed, there will be no compensation between each section) and who fulfil the entry requirements.
We are delighted to inform candidates that the MGDS RCSI examination will be delivered in an online format in autumn/winter 2021. Please register your interest below and we will contact you with further details when available. A series of lecture days will be planned over the coming months in preparation for the new MGDS RCSI examination.
