For MJDF results, go to Information for Candidates.
For MJDF examiner applications, go to Examinership applications.

MJDF and the modern dental career

The Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties at The Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF RCS Eng) is a new assessment, developed jointly by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This new examination is intended to progressively replace the existing:

With the introduction of the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) initiative, there has been a change in the way postgraduate medical training is delivered. This change has been driven by the need for more flexible training pathways to meet service and personal development requirements. One of the key elements in MMC is the foundation programme, which consists of an integrated two-year course of general professional training following initial medical qualification.

Within dentistry, the Department of Health commissioned the UK Dental General Professional Training Liaison Group to develop a curriculum for foundation programmes in dentistry, the result being the 2006 publication of A Curriculum for UK Dental Foundation Programme Training. The competencies defined in the curriculum will inform the educational content, training requirements, and expected outcomes for all dental graduates who complete a foundation programme in dentistry.

> View the foundation training curriculum

The aim of the Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties is to assess knowledge and skills after completion of the two-year foundation training programme for all dental graduates, whether they are pursuing a career in general or specialist practice. The MJDF has been structured to meet the competencies set out in the Curriculum for UK Dental Foundation Programme Training.

> View the foundation curriculum competencies

The MJDF will be the starting point for practitioners who wish to develop their careers in a number of ways. The examination may become a desirable requirement for entry into postgraduate training programmes generally, including specialist training, and will be the starting point for the FGDP(UK)’s Career Pathway for general dental practitioners. This, along with the advent of concepts such as Dentists with Special Interests, means that all dentists should consider the MJDF as a valuable demonstration of having achieved the postgraduate competencies as set out in the foundation curriculum.

Relying less on traditional tests of knowledge and more on workplace-based demonstration of competencies, the MJDF provides a modern, innovative assessment for today's dentist, in line with the principles of the Postgraduate Medical Education and Training Board.

Structure of the MJDF

The MJDF examination will consist of:

To read more about the MJDF structure, go to:

> Information for candidates

Start date, revision days & transition arrangements

The first sittings of the MJDF examination will be held in October 2007. There will be a transition process to ensure that those who have already begun either the MFGDP(UK) or MFDS will be protected, and will be able to use components that have been completed from those two examinations towards the new award. It will also be possible to complete the MFGDP(UK) and MFDS during the transition period.

The FGDP(UK) and FDS are running a series of revision days leading up to the new examination. It is important to note that these revision days would still be useful for candidates intending to complete the MFGDP(UK)/MFDS examinations.

To view MJDF examination dates, final dates for the MFGDP(UK) and the MFDS and dates for revision days, or to download MJDF application forms, click on the links or go to:

> Information for candidates

Frequently asked questions

Whilst the underpinning rationale for the new assessment is easy to explain, we appreciate that the transition from the old to the new processes presents immediate and difficult choices for those studying for these qualifications. Below are some frequently asked questions will may help to provide guidance to the candidate.

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What are the differences between the MFDS and the new MJDF?

All parts of the new foundation training curriculum will be assessed in both Part 1 and Part 2 of the MJDF. Parts 1 and 2 replace Parts A, B and C of the MFDS (RCS Eng). In addition, a Portfolio of Evidence will be required to be awarded the MJDF.

> See Information for candidates for more information on the Portfolio and the types of assessment used in Part 1 and 2 examination


How does the MJDF differ from the MFGDP(UK)?

The MFGDP(UK) and MJDF have a common format consisting of a Portfolio of Evidence, a Part 1 and a Part 2. However, there are some practical differences.



I have already completed parts of MFDS/MFGDP(UK). Should I complete this qualification or transfer into the new MJDF?

Each candidate should make an individual judgment based on personal preferences, assessing whether they are better positioned to prepare for the old style examinations or MJDF; this may be discussed with workplace trainers, and the tutor networks run by the two faculties are available to advise. It may be the case that some study groups have already planned their activity around the old style examinations, particularly for 2007, and candidates should discuss this with group leaders.

To view the last examination diets for MFGDP(UK) and MFDS, see:

> Information for candidates


I am considering doing a membership qualification. Where do I start given the continued availability of MFDS and MFGDP(UK)?

We recommend that candidates who have yet to start any part of the MFDS or MFGDP(UK) commence with MJDF.


How do I prepare for the MJDF?

The complete Information for candidates document contains a list of resources, and the MJDF web pages will shortly provide details of tutor networks.


What is the value of the MJDF measured against the old qualifications?

One of the defining characteristics of the MFDS was that it served as an entry requirement for specialist training. The GDC has now decided that there will be no formal examination entry requirement, and selection is likely to be on the basis of a range of criteria demonstrating suitability. Possession of a postgraduate qualification (MFDS, MFGDP(UK), MJDF, or a non-College qualification) will play a part in demonstrating a candidate's suitability. However, it is not an absolute requirement.

The MJDF’s purpose and value is to confirm the acquisition of competencies at the end of the foundation training curriculum, for a dental career which may develop within either primary or secondary care.


I want to enter specialist training. Do I also need an MJDF in addition to my existing MFDS/MFGDP(UK)?

See above – In keeping with published GDC guidance, this is not a requirement currently.


Since the MJDF assesses competencies in the foundation training curriculum, is it relevant to a practitioner with several years' experience post qualification?

Yes – the MJDF will be the starting point for dentists who wish to develop their careers in a number of ways. With more flexible entry into specialist training, and the advent of concepts such as the Dentists with Special Interests, all practitioners should consider the MJDF as a valuable demonstration of having achieved the postgraduate competencies set out in the foundation training curriculum.


I have completed MFDS/MFGDP(UK). Can I use this to obtain exemptions from parts of the MJDF?

If you have completed MFDS or MFGDP(UK), you need only take Part 2 MJDF to gain that award, as long the components for which you are claiming credit and Part 2 of the MJDF are completed within the five-year period allowed by the regulations.


When will the MJDF be available overseas?

It is the intention to run the MJDF overseas following the launch of the assessment in the UK. However, a timetable for this has yet to be finalised. Watch out for further news on the MJDF webpages.


How long do I have to complete the MJDF?

All parts of the assessment will normally have to be completed within five years.


At what point do I complete the Portfolio of Evidence?

This may be completed at any point in the five-year period, including after Part 2.


Is the MJDF registrable as an additional qualification with the GDC?

The GDC is currently reviewing its policy on the registration of additional qualifications and is not currently accepting new qualifications. This applies both to the MJDF and the new MFDS of the Scottish Royal Colleges. The faculties will apply for registrable status once the GDC has completed the review of its procedures.


More information and contacts

There is more detailed information on the MJDF on the Information for candidates page, the full Information for candidates document, the Guide to the MJDF Portfolio of Evidence, and the MJDF Regulations page. If you have a query that is not answered on these pages, you can contact the MJDF Examination Department by emailing mjdf@rcseng.ac.uk or on 020 7869 6762.


Examinership applications

We are currently inviting applications for MJDF examiners. Applicants will be members or fellows of one of the dental faculties. Ideally they will have experience of teaching and training dentists at postgraduate level, and knowledge of assessment.

Examiners will be required to commit to a minimum of three days examining each year, and a further three days involving training and other meetings related to the MJDF. Input to question setting will also be required outside of this time.

Applicants will need to be available for examiner training to be held on Monday 9 June 2008, and also be available to observe the MJDF examinations process on one subsequent day that week.

> MJDF Examiner job description

> MJDF Examiner application form

Completed application forms should be sent to the MJDF Examinations Department, the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and Faculty of Dental Surgery, The Royal College of Surgeons of England, 35-43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE.

The deadline for applications is 18 April 2008.