Click here to view the results of MJDF Part 1 examination held on 30 March 2009.
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 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 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:
- 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
There is a transition process in place 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.
Examination diets will be held in the spring and autumn each year and the FGDP(UK) and FDS 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 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.
- The Portfolio of Evidence will consist 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 will consist of one paper, based on the foundation training curriculum, assessing knowledge and applied knowledge. This will include different formats of multiple choice questions (MCQs). For example, instead of true/false and MSA options, the 'best option' and extended matching questions (EMQs) will be 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 will consist of an OSCE with a similar number of stations as in the MFDS, but structured clinical reasoning (SCR) stations will be 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 will 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 will be one paper consisting of different formats of MCQs. Critical reading skills required for Part I MFGDP(UK) will now be 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 will consist 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.
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.
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 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?
It is the intention to run the MJDF Part 1 overseas following the launch of the assessment in the UK. Please check the MJDF examination and submission dates section for all planned overseas examinations.
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 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, knowledge of assessment, and will be five years post-qualification.
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/induction, to be held in London during the Part 2 diet on 23-25 June 2009 (attendance at all three days is required).
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 27 April 2009.
