MFDS Exam Changes 2026–2027
MFDS exam changes — the MFDS (Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery) qualification is changing over 2026 and 2027. This guide summarises the tri-collegiate reform, the higher assessment standard, key dates and what it means whether you have already passed, are part-way through, or plan to sit MFDS in the future.
Key dates (announced)
- Autumn 2026 — first new-format MFDS Part 1
- Early 2027 — first new-format MFDS Part 2
- Exact dates on RCS England when released
- Confirm your pathway with your college
What is changing with the MFDS qualification
Our mfds exam changes guide explains what overseas dentists need: the MFDS is a postgraduate examination offered by the UK surgical royal colleges. The current standard is equivalent to dental graduates who have completed a two-year foundation programme (VT plus one further year in general dental practice or Dental Core Training).
At present, two versions exist: the examination from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, or the bi-collegiate examination from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Successful candidates become members of one or more UK surgical royal colleges.
This MFDS exam changes guide supports dentists preparing for MFDS Part 1 and Part 2 through the Faculty of Dental Surgery. Use our MFDS exam changes resources alongside official CGdent (College of General Dentistry) guidance and Enamel Academy shop courses for structured preparation. See also: MFDS exam guide, MFDS study plan, MFDS Part 1 course.
This page summarises Royal College announcements. Always confirm current regulations on the RCS England MFDS exam page before applying or sitting.
Single tri-collegiate examination
The three UK Surgical Royal Colleges will offer one unified MFDS — a clearer postgraduate pathway for primary and secondary care careers, and an entry requirement for dental specialty fellowship exams.
Higher level of assessment
The new MFDS assesses competence at DCT3 level (GDC-registered dentist completing the third year of Dental Core Training) — equivalent to four years of postgraduate experience, mapped to DCT programme learning outcomes for years 2/3.
Why is it changing now?
The colleges are working together on a cohesive postgraduate assessment pathway for dental graduates entering specialty training in the UK. New GDC curricula for specialty trainees prompted a review of dental assessments to give clarity to trainees, trainers and patients with a consistent standard across specialties.
The revised MFDS better reflects the knowledge and competence expected of dentists entering specialty training. It is mapped to the UK Dental Core Trainee (DCT) curriculum and strengthens recognition for candidates in the UK and internationally. The examination remains open to UK and internationally trained dentists.
When is the change happening?
Dates announced by the UK Surgical Royal Colleges — subject to confirmation.
Autumn 2026 — new Part 1
First MFDS Part 1 in the new tri-collegiate format. Exact date to be released.
RCS England MFDS page →Current MFDS examinations cease
Existing college-specific MFDS exams will end — each college will publish final sitting dates.
RCS England MFDS page →How will the changes affect you?
Three common situations for candidates during the transition.
If you have already completed MFDS
You retain existing MFDS postnominals if you have joined a College. Your MFDS provides eligibility for Dental Specialty Fellowship Examinations for any Part 1 application made on or before 1 May 2031. After that period, the new MFDS (from 2026) may be required for specialty examinations.
If you are part-way through MFDS
Refer to your college’s guidance on remaining sittings of the current examination. Part-completion of the existing MFDS does not exempt you from any part of the new MFDS — for example, passing only Part 1 of the current exam without Part 2 before it ceases means sitting Part 1 of the new MFDS to qualify for new Part 2.
If you have not yet started MFDS
As current examinations will cease, work towards the new MFDS from 2026. Review the assessment strategy on the RCS England MFDS exam page and consider timing — the new exam is expected to be sat approximately four years after graduation.
Official sources & contacts
Assessment strategy, syllabus and dates: RCS England MFDS exam page · General enquiries: mfdsexam@rcseng.ac.uk
Current examination advice: RCSEd (dental.exams@rcsed.ac.uk) · RCS England (mfdsexam@rcseng.ac.uk) · RCPS Glasgow (mfds@rcpsg.ac.uk)
MFDS exam changes — common questions
When does the new MFDS format start?
The first new-format MFDS Part 1 is planned for Autumn 2026 (exact date to be confirmed). The first Part 2 sitting is expected in early 2027. Check the RCS England MFDS exam page for updates.
Will my existing MFDS qualification still count?
Yes — if you have completed MFDS and joined a College, you keep your postnominals. Existing MFDS remains valid for Dental Specialty Fellowship entry for applications made on or before 1 May 2031.
Does passing Part 1 of the current MFDS carry over to the new exam?
No. Part-completion of the current MFDS does not exempt you from any part of the new MFDS. If you only complete Part 1 of the current exam, you will need to sit Part 1 of the new MFDS to progress to new Part 2.
Is the new MFDS harder than the current exam?
The new MFDS assesses a higher standard — DCT3 level (four years post-graduation) rather than the current equivalent of two years post-foundation. Review the RCS England MFDS exam page for full detail.
Where can I read the official assessment strategy?
Download documents from the RCS England MFDS exam page — including regulations, syllabus PDFs and sample questions.
Can Enamel Academy help me prepare for the new MFDS?
We offer MFDS Part 1 and Part 2 course packages and free SBA practice questions. Confirm which examination format applies to your sitting on official college sources before enrolling.
Check official sources — prepare with Enamel Academy
Read the official RCS England MFDS guidance, then use our MFDS guides and shop resources.
Recommended MFDS Study Path
Follow this sequence from free SBA baseline questions through to Part 2 — each step links to a live Enamel Academy page or shop product.
