mfds part 1: everything you need to know to pass.

RCSEd/RCPSG bi-collegiate MFDS Part 1 (current)

180 single-best-answer questions over 3 hours. Tests range of knowledge underpinning patient care and clinical application. Papers identical and held simultaneously at both Colleges. UK and international venues (Cairo, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and others).

RCS England MFDS Part 1 (current — final sittings 2026)

150 single-best-answer questions over 3 hours, delivered online remotely. The final RCS England MFDS Part 1 sitting will be 20 October 2026; final MFDS Part 2 in March 2027. After these, candidates must use the new tri-collegiate MFDS.

Tri-collegiate MFDS Part 1 (new, from 2026)

The three UK Surgical Royal Colleges are unifying MFDS into a single tri-collegiate examination starting 2026. The new exam is aimed at Dental Core Trainee level 2-3 (DCT2-3) — slightly more advanced than the previous DFT-focused MFDS. Part 1 remains written; Part 2 (OSCE) will assess broader non-technical skills with some stations involving direct interaction with examiners rather than all stations involving actors. MFDS becomes a requirement to sit the new DSFE (Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations) from 2026.

Pass to Part 2 requirements

Both current formats require 12 months full-time postgraduate clinical dentistry experience before applying for MFDS Part 2. Candidates not permitted to apply for Part 2 at the same time as Part 1. Specific transition rules apply for partially completed MFDS journeys across the old-to-new format change.

Eligibility

Primary dental qualification acceptable to the relevant College. Open to internationally trained dentists with verifiable primary qualifications. Maximum 6 attempts at Part 1.

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