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The first new tri-collegiate MFDS Part 1 sits on 28 October 2026: two separate two-hour papers of 90 single-best-answer questions (180 total), delivered in person at assessment centres. It is distinct from the legacy college routes ending in 2026–27, and a legacy Part 1 pass does not transfer into the new MFDS.
Full MFDS Part 1 bank, AI Tutor and timed mocks — $29/month or $99/year. All paid exam banks included.
Two discrete papers, each containing 90 single-best-answer questions and lasting two hours (180 questions and four hours of testing in total). Candidates attend an assessment centre in person; questions may include images or test results, and there is no negative marking.
Mapped to the published new MFDS syllabus and Dental Core Training outcomes at DCT2–3 level, with greater emphasis on applied clinical reasoning than the legacy DFT-level route.
The separate RCS England and RCSEd/RCPSG examinations retain their own legacy formats for their final diets. The final legacy Part 1 sittings are in October 2026 and the final legacy Part 2 is in spring 2027.
A candidate entering the new route must pass the new Part 1 before the new Part 2 and meet the current new-format eligibility criteria. The legacy 12-month experience rule belongs to the legacy route; a legacy Part 1 pass gives no exemption from the new Part 1.
A primary dental qualification and the experience specified in the current Dental Examinations Executive eligibility criteria are required. Attempt limits and eligibility differ between the legacy and new routes, so use the regulations for the exact examination being booked.
New tri-collegiate Part 1: 28 October 2026. Legacy Part 1 routes end in October 2026 and legacy Part 2 ends in spring 2027. A legacy Part 1 pass cannot be carried into the new examination and provides no exemption from new Part 1. Confirm booking windows and future diets on the Dental Examinations Executive website.
Approximate study distribution across the published new tri-collegiate MFDS syllabus. This is an iatroX revision allocation, not an official weighting; use the official syllabus to define scope.
Drawn from the MFDS syllabus, GDC Standards, SDCEP guidance, BSP 2017 periodontal classification, and current UK dental clinical practice. The new tri-collegiate MFDS emphasises non-technical skills more heavily.
GDC Standards for the Dental Team Nine Principles — patient interests first, communicating effectively, valid consent, information governance, complaints, colleagues, knowledge and skills, raising concerns, personal behaviour. Each principle has specific clinical scenario applications routinely tested.
BSP 2017 periodontal classification — staging (severity I-IV) and grading (rate A-C), extent and complexity. Replaces the 1999 classification. UK dental practice charts and treatment plans now use this framework directly. SDCEP guidance on periodontal management uses this classification.
Caries management (modern evidence base) — selective caries removal over complete excavation in deep lesions, Hall technique for primary teeth, ICCMS framework, fluoride prevention pyramid (toothpaste strengths by age, fluoride varnish frequency)
Antibiotic stewardship in dentistry — NICE/SDCEP position on IE prophylaxis (avoided routinely; only specific high-risk groups), antimicrobial stewardship for acute dental infections, when systemic antibiotics are and are not indicated
MRONJ recognition and management — at-risk patient identification, modifications for extractions, SDCEP guidance for managing MRONJ risk in primary care, treatment of established MRONJ
Medical emergencies in the dental chair — current algorithms: anaphylaxis (adrenaline 500 mcg IM, repeat 5 min), MI (300 mg aspirin, 2-puff GTN), syncope (recovery position), hypoglycaemia (oral glucose / glucagon), seizure, asthma exacerbation (4-10 puffs salbutamol via spacer)
Non-technical skills (NTS) — new tri-collegiate MFDS places more emphasis on situational awareness, communication, decision-making and team leadership. Some Part 2 stations will involve direct examiner interaction rather than actors — preparation needs to include structured NTS frameworks.
Mental Capacity Act in dental practice — assessing capacity (2-stage test), best interests framework, IMCA referrals, treating without consent (only where lawful), Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) framework, safeguarding adults at risk
Observations from candidates for the MFDS Part 1 in transition. Verify against current College websites and the Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations site.
Candidate-reported observations — not official guidance.
A pragmatic plan for the new tri-collegiate Part 1; candidates on a final legacy diet should use their own college regulations for mock length and timing.
A live item from the iatroX bank. Try it before launching a full session.
During light curing of a bonded posterior resin-composite restoration, polymerisation contraction is constrained by adhesion to the cavity walls. Which clinical problem is most directly associated with the resulting shrinkage stress?
Why iatroX is built differently for MFDS Part 1.
Every iatroX item is tagged to a blueprint topic, so your performance dashboard mirrors the structure of the exam itself.
The engine surfaces your weakest topics first, in real time, instead of marching you through a static syllabus.
Incorrect items return at increasing intervals to interrupt the forgetting curve and lock knowledge into long-term memory.
Timed full-length simulations that mirror the official exam structure under realistic conditions.
One iatroX subscription includes the MFDS Part 1 bank, the Socratic Tutor inside supported sessions, and every other premium iatroX exam bank.
Cancel anytime · 7-day money-back guarantee on annual
The first new tri-collegiate Part 1 sits on 28 October 2026 and contains two separate two-hour papers of 90 SBAs. Legacy Part 1 routes finish in October 2026 and legacy Part 2 finishes in spring 2027. The routes are separate: a legacy Part 1 pass does not carry over or exempt a candidate from new Part 1.
Check which route you can realistically complete. A candidate relying on a final legacy Part 1 must also complete the remaining legacy pathway within its published timetable; that pass cannot transfer to the new route. New entrants should normally prepare against the new Dental Examinations Executive syllabus and regulations.
Two papers of 90 single-best-answer questions, with two hours for each paper (180 questions and four hours of testing in total), delivered in person at an assessment centre. There is no negative marking.
RCSEd/RCPSG: £587 standard fee (£693 for candidates based in India, reflecting local taxes). RCS England: similar range. From 1 July 2025, an additional 18% tax applies to exam fees for candidates sitting in India. Fees may be subject to change — confirm current fees on the College websites.
Attempt limits differ between the legacy and new examinations. Check the regulations for the route you are booking. Part-completion of a legacy MFDS does not provide an exemption from new Part 1.
The MFDS does not represent a formal criterion for entry to UK dental specialty training. However, possession of the MFDS demonstrates a candidate's suitability for specialist training and is a valuable portfolio asset. From 2026, MFDS becomes a requirement to sit the new DSFE (Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations) — making it more central to the specialty training pathway.
Yes. A single iatroX subscription (£29/month or £99/year for UK users; $29/$99 elsewhere) includes the MFDS Part 1 bank alongside ORE Part 1, NDEB-AFK, and every other premium iatroX exam bank. No add-ons or per-exam fees.
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Reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MSt MRCGP · Last reviewed 29 August 2026
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