The Fellowship Examination in General Dental Practice, formerly known as Final Examination, is an assessment of clinical and theoretical knowledge in an experiential context, over a broad base of general dental practice. The level of expectation is specifically set at the experienced general practitioner level and not the specialist level.
The 2024 Fellowship Examination (GDP):
Written Paper (General): 8 January 2024
Written Paper (Elective): 9 January 2024
Viva Voce: 15 – 17 January 2024
Enrolments open soon. Submit an expression of interest to stay up to date with the latest information on the 2024 Fellowship Examination.
We’re here to support you in your preparation for Fellowship Success, register for the Conquering Fellowship Masterclass: Advanced Techniques and Strategies- HERE.
In the Fellowship Examination (GDP) candidates are expected to demonstrate a greater breadth of knowledge about general dental practice and a greater depth of knowledge about specialist dental practice than the average general dental practitioner.
The focus is on the candidate’s ability to:
- manage patients holistically for General Dental Practice
- make an informed clinical assessment and analysis
- consider a diagnosis and show evidence in applying diagnostic or surgical sieves
- present appropriate treatment options
- demonstrate the ability to justify the management options by reflecting on practice and with reference to current literature and evidence-based practice.
- Use of FRACDS(GDP) post nominals
- Acknowledgement of your knowledge and skills
- Highest level of recognition amongst peers within your specialty
- Gain better employment
- Further your learning and development
- Differentiate myself from other practitioners
- Become more involved with the College
The Fellowship Examination (GDP) is open to candidates who have passed or been granted exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, or have gained Membership in General Dental Practice through the MRACDS(GDP) Program.
Candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree at least three years prior to enrolling, have a minimum of two years clinical experience and hold registration to practice dentistry with a recognised registering body.
Do you have a Masters, PhD or DClinDent?
You could be eligible for an exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, putting you on the fast track to the Fellowship Examination (GDP). Apply now
Enroling is easy!
Please ensure that you have read and understood the requirements and fees for the Primary Dental Sciences Examination and then follow the steps below:
- Check your eligibility that you have either:
- Passed the Primary Dental Sciences Examination
- Granted exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination
- Completed MRACDS(GDP) Program
- Enrol in the Fellowship Examination (GDP) while enrolments is open via the link above.
The Fellowship Examination (GDP) consists of two sections:
Section 1: General Dentistry
- Written paper of three (3) hours’ duration
- Viva voce (oral) examination of 35 minutes’ duration including oral examination of the Elective Section and discussion of a clinical case
Section 2: Elective
Candidates select one (1) of the following three (3) topics:
- Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology
- Periodontics, Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Candidates will complete:
- Written paper of three (3) hours’ duration
- viva voce (oral) examination of 35 minutes’ duration including oral examination of the Elective Section and discussion of a clinical case
The Preparation for Fellowship Success (PFS) workshop is an intensive preparatory course which aims to maximise success and boost your confidence in passing the Fellowship Examination (GDP) and achieving Fellowship with the College.
The PFS workshop will focus on writing skills, examination format and training on viva voce techniques. Small interactive groups hosted by facilitators will help you work through virtual clinical cases to improve your ability to think, analyse and develop management plans for patients in an examination setting.
For more information click here.
| Fellowship Examination in General Dental Practice | Overseas Resident | Australian Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Member Annual Fee (FY 1/7/22 to 30/6/23) | $228.00 | $250.00* |
| Affiliate Member Annual Fee (FY 1/7/21 to 30/6/22) | $220.00 | $242.00* |
| Preparation for Fellowship Success | ||
| Enrolment | $2,133.00* | $2,133.00* |
| Fellowship Examination in General Dental Practice (January 2023 rates) | ||
| Enrolment for both Parts I and II | $3,210.00 | $3,210.00 |
| Enrolment for Part l or Part ll only | $1,913.00 | $1,913.00 |
| Appeal fee | $6,108.00* | $6,108.00* |
| Admission to Fellowship | $327.27 | $360.00* |
| Annual fee (FY 1/7/22 to 30/6/23) | $664.00 | $731.00* |
| Annual fee (FY 1/7/21 to 30/6/22) | $642.00 | $706.00* |
1. All fees are in $AUD.
2. Fees marked with asterisk (*) denote GST inclusive, otherwise fees are GST free.
3. The Preparation for Fellowship Success workshop will be held over three (3) days.
4. The annual fee is payable on the 1st day of July each year. All unpaid annual fees by the 31st of August each year will attract a monthly late payment surcharge. Members or Fellows who are elected to Membership or Fellowship during the year will pay a pro rata annual fee based on the whole months remaining in the financial year (FY).
5. Board approved 1/3 reduction for Annual Fees for members residing outside of Australia and NZ, for the 2021/22 and 2022/23 financial year.
6. For more information, please refer to the RACDS General Dental Practice (GDP) Handbook and other relevant policies (including refunds) which are available on the website.
Frequently Asked Questions
The GDP Handbook includes a guide to study and suggested reading list. Candidates should have access to current journal articles and maintain an individual resource library in preparation for the examination.
The RACDS offers a Preparation for Fellowship Success (PFS) workshop. This provides candidates with an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on writing skills, examination format and training on viva voce techniques
Yes.
Candidate Advisors are available in each region to assist candidates with study groups, tutorials and general direction – Find your Candidate Advisor here.
You are also encouraged to join our private “RACDS Fellowship Examination (GDP) Study Group” on Facebook to received up to date information, exchange study notes and share tips with each other.
Both the written and oral sections of the exam must be completed. If you complete the written sections only, and do not present for the vivas you will receive a fail grade for the entire section of the exam i.e. you will fail the elective section of the exam.
Should a medical/personal situation arise that prevents you from undertaking a portion of the exam, please contact the RACDS immediately.
If you have failed one section and passed another, you may be given credit for the section passed. This credit is valid for three years. Candidates who have failed the exam will receive a performance report from the examiners.
