MFD exam: Guidance, Syllabus, Preparation

On 04-07-2020 | Read time about 6 Minutes

The MFD (Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dentistry) is awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland. To be awarded this membership, you are required to pass an examination. This exam can be taken by dentists at any stage of their career: newly qualified, those hoping to undertake specialist training or those working in general practice. Having an MFD post nominals is likely to attract you better job opportunities as well as patients in the Middle-East. 

The examination does not require specialist knowledge. The exam expects the knowledge, which would be reasonably expected of a dental school graduate with 1-2 years post-qualification experience.

The examination places a strong emphasis on clinical dentistry, with some questions on the underlying relevant clinical sciences. The examination consists of two parts.

Exam format

The MFD RSCI Part 1

MFD Part 1 consists of one 3 hours paper. Thiswill include:  

• 75 True/False MCQs (75 questions with 5 choices, each which are either true or false)
• 20 Single Best Answer questions (where a statement is presented and candidates select what they feel is the “best” or most appropriate answer)

The MFD RSCI Part 2

• Structured Clinical Case Assessment of a minimum of 10 short model cases requiring application of non-specialist-level clinical knowledge. (1 Hour Duration)  
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE Stations) - Knowledge of patient examination, communication, diagnosis and treatment planning may be examined. Specialist knowledge is not required. 
• VIVA VOCE

MFD Part 1 2021 exams:

An online format of the MFD Part 1 examination has been introduced this year which will be held on 12-April-2021 and then on 14-June-2021. This means that you will be able to complete the examination from your own home.
 

Fees

The examination fee for Part 1 is €750.
The examination fee for Part 2 is €850.
 

Eligibility

MFD Part 1 

Candidates can present for MFD Part 1 examination at any stage following graduation from Dental School 

MFD Part 2 

• Candidates should normally be a minimum of 12 months graduated from Dental School when presenting for MFD Part 2
• Passed MFD Part 1 or equivalent (Part 1MFDS, MJDF) OR possession of the Diploma of Primary Care Dentistry [DipPCDRCSI]
• CPR Certificate completed within two years. Certificates must be valid on the date that the exam takes place. Out of date BLS certificates will not be accepted.

Application

To apply for this exam please Sign in or Register as a User on the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland website. 

Results

Within 2 to 3 weeks.

Exam Dates

Part 1- Roughly: April, August, October
Part 2 - January, March, April, May, November, December.

Syllabus

The given syllabus is not exhaustive , but to give candidates a guide to the topics which may be included in the examination. 

Clinical Dentistry 

Endodontics 

• Endodontic diagnosis
• Pulpal and periapical pathology
• Root canal anatomy
• Indications for Endodontic treatment 
• Access to the root canal system
• Endodontic treatment procedures
• Endodontic preparation techniques
• Endodontic obturation techniques
• Endodontic re-treatment
• Management of traumatised teeth
• Endodontic Periodontal interface
• Endodontic Implant interface
• Surgical Endodontics 

Periodontology 

• Dental plaque: its formation, composition and metabolism. 
• Mechanical and chemical plaque control.
• Periodontal examination and diagnosis.
• The pathogenesis of periodontal disease. 
• Therapeutic agents in the control of periodontal disease. 
• Basic periodontal surgery.
• Crown lengthening surgery
• Regenerative periodontal surgery 
• Periodontal disease in children and young adults
• Periodontal endodontic interface
• Periodontal Systemic disease interface
• Systemic disease and the periodontium 
• Dental Implant placement (surgical aspects)
• Soft and hard tissue grafting 

Prosthodontics (including operative Dentistry) 

• Dental caries: causes, diagnosis and the influence of diet, fluoride and restorative care. 
• Therapeutic agents in the control of caries.
• The management of non-carious tooth surface loss: attrition, abrasion and erosion. 
• Tooth discoloration and bleaching. 
• Principles of restorative treatment planning. 
• Principles of intra- and extra-coronal restoration of teeth. 
• Functional occlusion in fixed and in removable prostheses. 
• Complete and partial dentures: their design, construction and maintenance. 
• Implant based restorations. 

Orthodontics 

• Management of the developing dentition
• Aetiology of malocclusion.
• Diagnosis and treatment planning
• Common appliances / techniques used in the management of malocclusion.
• The role of the general dental practitioner in the management of malocclusion. 
• The Orthodontic/Restorative/Surgical interface. 

Oral Surgery 

• Dento-alveolar trauma, mandibular and zygomatic fractures 
• Principles of management of salivary gland disease
• Surgical tooth extractions and important complications.
• Metabolic consequences of trauma and surgery. 
• Minor soft tissue surgery
• Principals of management of salivary gland disease.
• Biopsy techniques
• Odontogenic cysts and their management.
• Differential diagnosis of oro-facial pain including pain of non-dental origin. 
• Implant surgery 

Paediatric Dentistry 

• Infant oral healthcare prevention.
• Paediatric periodontal problems.
• Optimum fluoride therapy.
• Behaviour management of children in the dental setting.
• Guidelines for the use of sedation and general anaesthesia in children. § Diagnosis and treatment planning for the paediatric dental patient.
• Paediatric restorative dentistry. 
• Pulp therapy in the primary dentition
• Management of the developing dentition in paediatric patients. § Space maintenance. 

The Principles of Professional and Ethical Practice 

• The law in relation to the practice of dentistry 
• The law in relation to consent for dental treatment. 
• Medical and dental records: their content, the legal aspects of disclosure, data protection and freedom of information. 
• Medico-legal reports. 
• Clinical negligence and professional indemnity for the dental profession.
• Managing patient’s complaints. 
• The dentist as employer. 
• Dental practice management. 
• Communication with patients, relatives and health care colleagues. 
• Clinical Governance.