The Primary Dental Sciences Examination consists of study and examination in the areas of Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Pathology and Microbiology.
Event information
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- $2,821 - All Subjects
- $653 - One Subject
- $1,306 - Two Subjects
The Primary Dental Sciences Examination consists of study and examination in the areas of Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Pathology and Microbiology.
OnlineLast day to register: 12/05/2024
Not an RACDS member? Please select create a profile to sign in and register.
The aim is for candidates to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental principles of the basic sciences and more importantly, their relationship to clinical dental practice.
Successful candidates of the Primary Dental Sciences Examination are eligible to apply for Membership in Primary Dental Sciences (PDS), which offers the privilege of using post-nominals MRACDS(PDS) as well as many other member benefits. You may then also choose to progress to Fellowship with the College by sitting the Fellowship Examination (GDP).
Examination Structure
Subjects assessed:
Anatomy, Histology, Physiology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Pathology and Microbiology
The exam is in two parts:
- six (6) two-hour written papers with two subjects scheduled on each of the three consecutive days
- viva voce examinations of ten (10) minutes in duration are conducted in each of the six (6) subjects
For more detailed information on the Primary Dental Sciences Examination please click here.
Examination Information
Written and Viva Voce Examination dates:
Written Examinations:
- Monday, 1 July, Tuesday 2 July and Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Viva Voce Examinations*:
- Wednesday, 17 July, Thursday, 18 July, Friday, 19 July and Saturday, 20 July 2024
*For scheduling purposes, please ensure you are available for all viva voce examination dates listed above.
Exam results will be released on Friday, 9 August 2024.
Enrolment Fees:
PDS Examination Enrolment (All subjects) – $2,821
Repeat of one subject – $653
Repeat of two subjects – $1,306
Enrolments close: Sunday, 12 May 2024
Please ensure you hold current Affiliate membership prior to enrolling.
Examination Preparation
Maximise your chances of passing the examination with our Primary Dental Sciences Preparation Course. The preparation course is designed to cover all six disciplines and provide focused preparation for the examination, including examination strategies, viva voce techniques and written paper preparation. Registration is open and closes 1 April 2024. Click here for more information!
Exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination
The College also offers a Primary Dental Sciences Examination Exemption pathway to fast track you to Fellowship, to check your eligibility please click here.
Important notes
- Candidates are required to hold membership with RACDS prior to enrolling and for the examination – apply for Affiliate membership now. If you hold an active Subscription you are eligible to apply.
- Candidates are required to submit a profile photo before checkout. The photo needs to be with a light/white background and under 5MB.
- The College does not set any specific requirements for demonstration of English language skills however it should be noted that all assessments are written and marked in English and that proficiency in English at the level equivalent to a 7.5 in all subjects in the IELTS (or a B in the OET) is expected of candidates in all assessments.
- The written paper and viva voce will be conducted remotely via computer-based examination software.
- Candidates must make themselves available for all days of viva voce examinations. A timetable will be released approximately three (3) weeks prior to the examinations.
- Candidates who pass at least four (4) subjects in a single sitting will be given credit for three years for the subjects satisfactorily completed.
- Candidates who do not have subject credits are required to present for all six (6) subjects at the examination.
- The enrolment fee may be refunded as per the RACDS Refund Policy.
- Enrolment is valid only for the examination sitting to which the candidate has been admitted.
- The College reserves the right to amend the timing and dates of examinations whenever conditions warrant. Where examinations are cancelled or postponed, a full refund of the examination enrolment fee will be issued. The College takes no responsibility for any other costs incurred by the candidate.
- All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD).