Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK)

The Royal College of Surgeons of England

Information on the Diploma of
Membership in General Dental Surgery (MGDS)

What is the Diploma of Membership in General Dental Surgery (MGDS)?

An academic qualification which is the senior diploma of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) and is registerable with the General Dental Council. Possession of it indicates achievement of a high standards of practice arrangements and clinical skills. It marks you as a mature and skilled practitioner with a commitment to continuing education.

Who is it for?

Dentists in predominantly primary dental care (possessing a dental qualification registerable in the UK or their country of origin) who have:

• Practised for five years.
• Participated in 50 postgraduate sessions in the four years preceding the examination.

Where can I take the examination?

The examination is held in the summer at The Royal College of Surgeons of England and in the candidate's surgery premises.

What support is there to help me?

Study groups are run by the British Postgraduate Medical Federation and the Bristol Dental Postgraduate Department and in many regions. Full details are contained in the information package.

What is involved?

The examination is in two parts usually taken within one year.

Part I comprises:

• A three-hour essay paper
• A two-hour multiple short answer paper.

Part II comprises:

• A practice visitation.
• Presentation of four patient records two of which are in person at your practice.
• A treatment planning exercise and a general viva voce.

Where can I obtain more information?

Return to the Main Faculty Page