The results of the MJDF Part 1 examination held on 29 March 2010 are now available. Please click here to view the results.
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 an 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 examination has effectively replaced:
- Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (MFGDP[UK])
- Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS RCS Eng).
With the introduction of the Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) initiative, there was 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 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 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 is the starting point for practitioners who wish to develop their careers in a number of ways. The examination is a desirable requirement for entry into postgraduate training programmes generally, including specialist training, and is 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 UK 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 consists of:
- Portfolio of Evidence based on workplace-based experience
- Part 1 examination in the form of one written paper containing multiple choice questions (MCQs), and
- Part 2 examination in the form of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and structured clinical reasoning (SCR) exercises.
To read more about the MJDF structure, go to:
Information for candidates
Examination dates, revision days & transition arrangements
A transition process ensures that those who have already begun either the MFGDP(UK) or MFDS are protected, and are able to use components that have been completed from these two examinations towards the new award.
Examination diets are held in the spring and autumn each year and the Faculties are running a series of revision days leading up to each diet.
To view MJDF examination dates 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 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 MJDF?
All parts of the foundation training curriculum are 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 is required to be awarded the MJDF.
- The Portfolio of Evidence consists of:
- a CV, personal development plan and record of CPD
- five completed core clinical and professional skills (to include the General Dental Council (GDC)'s three mandatory CPD areas)
- a workplace-based audit or research project, and,
- either a clinical case presentation or workplace-based evidenced clinical assessments, e.g. multi-source feedback (MSF), mini clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX).
- Part 1 MJDF consists of one paper, based on the foundation training curriculum, assessing knowledge and applied knowledge. This includes different formats of multiple choice questions (MCQs). For example, instead of true/false and MSA options, the 'best option' and extended matching questions (EMQs) are used.
- Part 2 MJDF resembles Part C of the MFDS. The MFDS consists of an objective structured clinical reasoning exercise (OSCE) plus a separate component of two structured vivas. Part 2 MJDF consists of an OSCE with a similar number of stations as in the MFDS, but structured clinical reasoning (SCR) stations are included as a separate component instead of the structured vivas.
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.
- The MJDF has a Portfolio of Evidence and MFGDP(UK) has a coursework module. However, unlike the MFGDP(UK) where evidence is required of seven defined key skills within the coursework module, MJDF candidates need to provide evidence of five core skills as part of the Portfolio of Evidence, three of which must include the mandatory areas for CPD defined by the GDC.
Within the MJDF Portfolio, there continues to be the option to provide evidence through an audit and clinical case report, which form part of the MFGDP(UK) coursework module, although there are now other methods through which to provide evidence of your clinical management skills. Additionally, a personal development plan and CV are also required in the MJDF portfolio. See Information for candidates to find out more, and the Guide to the MJDF Portfolio of Evidence for detailed information.
- Instead of two papers for Part I MFGDP(UK) consisting of MSA questions, MCQs and critical reading, Part 1 MJDF is one paper consisting of different formats of MCQs. Critical reading skills required for Part I MFGDP(UK) are now part of the SCR component of Part 2 MJDF described below, and may appear in other elements of the examination such as the MCQs.
- Part 2 MJDF consists of OSCEs, and also SCR stations which involve structured discussion with examiners. This format contrasts with the MFGDP(UK) Part II consisting of OSCEs plus two 15-minute oral examinations.
How do I prepare for the MJDF?
The complete Information for candidates document contains a list of resources and the MJDF web site also provides details of tutor networks and revision days.
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?
MJDF Part 1 is currently being run in a number of overseas centres. Please check the MJDF examination and submission dates section for all planned overseas examinations. At present successful Part 1 candidates will have to travel to the UK to complete Part 2.
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.
Examinership applications
We are not currently recruiting MJDF examiners. However we will be inviting applications in the future and will post details in this section of the website.
