MFGDP(UK) FAQs
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What is the MFGDP(UK)?
The Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) - an examination specifically for general dental practitioners.
The MFGDP(UK) exmaination is being phased out in favour of the new MJDF examination. The final diets of MFGDP(UK) will be held in April 2008 (Part I) and June 2008 (Part II).
What is the format?
The Coursework Module
- A clinical case.
- An audit project.
- A practice portfolio giving evidence of seven key skills.
Part I (Written)
- 2 hour Multiple Short Answer Paper.
- 2 hour combined Critical Reading Paper & MCQ Paper.
Part II (viva voce)
- OSCE Assessment (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).
- General Viva + treatment Planning Exercise.
What are the entry requirements?
Part I
- At least 12 months in the practice of dentistry since qualification.
The Coursework Module
- At least 6 months in the practice of dentistry since qualification.
Part II
- At least 18 months in the practice of dentistry since qualification.
CPD entry requirements?
Irrespective of what part of the exam you are sitting:
- If you have been qualified for 18 months or more you will need to provide the Faculty office with evidence of 50 hours of verifiable CPD.
- If you are 12-18 months post-qualified you will need to provide evidence of 25 hours.
- If you are 6-12 months post-qualified you will need to provide 15 hours.
Where and when are the exams held?
Twice a year, in the Spring and Autumn at The Royal College of Surgeons of England in London and usually one regional centre, candidate numbers permitting.
When do I apply?
The closing dates for all exams can be found in the MFGDP(UK) Examinations Calendar, or by calling the Faculty. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Do I have to complete the 3 parts in a specific order?
No, Part I and the Coursework Module can be completed in any order, however you must successfully complete these first two components before entering Part II.
Is there a time limit in which I must complete the 3 parts?
Yes, once you have entered the first component you must complete the remaining two components within five years. You have two years in total to complete the Coursework Module.
Where can I get help in studying?
You can contact one of the FGDP(UK) Divisional Diploma Tutors who are responsible for co-ordinating local MFGDP(UK) study groups.
Several of the FGDP(UK) Publications will also help in your studies.
Do I have to be a Faculty member?
No, but you will miss out on the advantages of membership. Find out more about joining the FGDP(UK).
Does the Faculty supply past papers?
You can obtain sample papers from the Faculty at £1 each.
Where can I get a syllabus and reading list?
You can download the syllabus (found in the MFGDP(UK) Regulations) and Reading List here or contact the Faculty.
What is the Coursework Module?
What does it consist of?
The Coursework Module of the MFGDP(UK) consists of three components - an audit, a clinical case and a portfolio of seven key skills.
When do I submit the coursework?
From January 2008, the onus is on the local assessment of the Coursework Module, consistent with new arrangements for the MJDF Portfolio of Evidence – see the Guide to the Local Assessment of the MJDF Portfolio of Evidence for details.
How long do I have to complete the Coursework Module?
You have two years to complete the full Coursework Module.
What material is available to help me prepare?
The Regulations Relating to the MFGDP(UK) Examination outline the requirements for the clinical case, audit and key skills portfolio and should be read prior to selecting a suitable case or audit. The Regulations Relating to the MFGDP(UK) Examination also provide specific guidance on entry requirements.
The Guide to the Coursework Module of the MFGDP(UK) Examination has been written by MFGDP(UK) examiners, specifically for Vocational Dental Practitioners undertaking the Coursework Module. It focuses in detail on the evidence-based portfolio element, in addition to chapters on the audit project. The Study Companion to the MFGDP(UK) Examination covers the Coursework Module, particularly the key skills portfolio, and can be purchased from the Faculty. The BDA Audit Guidelines are also recommended when writing up your audit.
Will I be awarded the MFGDP(UK) on completion of the Coursework Module?
No, the examination consists of three components, of which the coursework is one. You will also need to successfully complete Part I (A multiple choice question paper and combined critical reading and multiple short answer paper) and Part II (OSCE Assessment and Viva Voce) to be awarded the MFGDP(UK).
Alternatively, you may be able to qualify with the new MJDF under the transitional arrangements that are in place - see Transitional arrangements in the MJDF regulations.
What are Part I and Part II?
What happens once I have sent an application?
Once the Faculty receives your application, a member of the exams team will check through it to ensure that you have met all the eligibility requirements. They will then write to you to confirm whether or not you are eligible to sit the exam.
Application Forms can be downloaded from the website.
I received a letter from the Faculty to say that I need more CPD. Does it mean I can’t sit the exam?
This letter means that you haven’t sent in sufficient verifiable CPD to meet the eligibility requirements. Faculty staff will still keep a space reserved for you, however you will not be able to sit the exam until you can provide all the required documentation.
How do I know what CPD to send in?
The exams regulations will give you full details on the entrance requirements for all Faculty exams.
Examinations Regulations can be downloaded from the website.
For Part I: Candidates who have been qualified less than 18 months will need to send 25 hours of verifiable CPD. This can be in the form of certificates at recognized courses, or a copy of your VT certificate. Candidates who have been qualified for more than 18 months need to send 50 hours CPD with no less than 15 hours in each of the two years before the Examination.
For Part II: All candidates need a minimum of 50 hours verifiable CPD over the last two years before the exam, with no less than 15 hours in each of those years.
For example, if the exam was being held in November 2005, you would need to send evidence of 50 hours CPD from November 2003-November 2005. CPD completed outside of that time period will not be counted.
What is the Manual of Continuing Professional Development (MCPD)?
The Manual of Continuing Professional Development is designed to be an over view of a candidate’s professional activities and interests. The MCPD is for the Part II exam only and needs to be completed and sent in along with your application form and fees. The MCPD is then sent to your examiner who may use it as a starting point for questions during your General Viva.
If I have completed my MCPD, do I still need to send CPD?
Yes. The MCPD is forwarded on to your examiner and not looked at by the Faculty staff. Therefore you will still need to send proof of your CPD in order to establish that you meet the eligibility requirements.
For further information, please call FGDP(UK) Examinations Department on 020 7869 6768 or email fgdp@rcseng.ac.uk.
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