Fellow Overview
Becoming a Fellow is an accolade of prestige and the highest academic level of achievement with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). It signifies that you are not just a highly proficient and experienced dental practitioner; it’s an emblem of leadership and a profound understanding of the scientific principles that underpin dentistry. This esteemed status is a testament to unwavering commitment to professional growth and clinical excellence.
As a Fellow of the College, you:
- Maintain high ethical standards, are a role model, and demonstrate professional leadership.
- Are a highly skilled and proficient practitioner with comprehensive experience in your area of dental practice.
- Have significant depth and breadth of scientific knowledge and comprehension of evidence-based practice gained from enquiry, professional development and clinical experience.
- Through rigorous examination and assessment, has displayed critical evaluation and integration of his knowledge and understanding of contemporary dental evidence into their clinical practice.
RACDS Fellow Options
RACDS Fellowship represents the pinnacle of professional recognition and excellence in dentistry. Explore the pathways tailored to your expertise and career achievements:
Fellow in General Dental Practice
For experienced general or specialist dentists demonstrating advanced clinical proficiency and a commitment to evidence-based practice.
Fellow in Specialist Dental Practice
For dental specialists showcasing exceptional expertise and leadership within their chosen speciality.
Fellow in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
For surgeons diagnosing and treating complex oral, jaw, and facial conditions.
Life Fellow
Awarded to long-standing Fellows who have made significant contributions to the dental profession and the College.
Honorary Fellow
A prestigious title bestowed upon individuals of exceptional distinction and service to the field of dentistry.
Pathways for Admission to Fellowship
RACDS offers multiple pathways to Fellowship, allowing you to advance your career through further education and training. To be eligible to apply for Fellowship you must have successfully completed the requirements for each pathway. Explore the options below to find the pathway that suits your goals or click here to view the pathways flowchart.
If you would like to speak to someone about these pathways please contact us at [email protected].
Pathway: By examination (Fellowship Examination in General Dental Practice)
Complete the Fellowship Examination (GDP) to showcase advanced knowledge and expertise in general dental practice.
The RACDS also offers an exemption from the Primary Sciences Dental Examination (a prerequisite for the Fellowship Examination), enabling you to fast-track your eligibility for the Fellowship Examination (GDP). Learn more.
Pathway: By examination (Fellowship Examination in Specialist Dental Practice)
Complete the Fellowship Examination in Specialist Dental Practice to demonstrate advanced expertise and professional excellence in your chosen specialty.
Pathway: By accredited training in NZ (Oral Medicine, Paediatric Dentistry and Special Needs Dentistry)
RACDS is seeking accreditation from the Dental Council of New Zealand to provide accredited training in Oral Medicine, Paediatric Dentistry and Special Needs Dentistry in Aotearoa New Zealand. If successful, the training programs will provide pathways to Fellowship and Specialist Registration with the Dental Council. Click here to learn more.
Pathway: By accredited training (Oral & Maxillofacial Training Program or Specialist Assessment of International Medical Graduates)
Complete the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) Accredited Training Program to become a registered surgeon and RACDS Fellow.
The award of Life Fellowship is the highest level of recognition that the College can bestow. It is awarded to a Fellow or Member who has demonstrated an exceptional contribution of service to the College. Find out more here.
The award of Honorary Fellowship may be conferred on distinguished persons (non-members of the College) who in the opinion of the Board have made an outstanding or exceptional contribution to the advancement of the science and practice of dentistry, or the dental profession over an extended period. Find out more here.
Fellow Benefits
RACDS Fellowship offers tailored membership benefits designed to connect you with a network of esteemed dental professionals, offer industry recognition and support your career. Access to these exclusive benefits requires the ongoing payment of an annual fee. View College fees.
Career Advancement
- Access job listings on RACDS jobs board
- Enhance your career prospects and employment opportunities with Fellowship recognition
- Feature in the Find a Dentist directory
Professional Development
- Unlock continuing professional development (CPD) and eLearning
- Master your skills with CPD masterclasses
- Explore ClinicalKey resources
Networking and Events
- Connect and build your community at networking events
- Expand your professional network with like-minded professionals
- Join closed Facebook groups
- Participate as a speaker or attendee at signature events like The Fine Edge of Dentistry conference
Recognition and Prestige
- Display prestigious post-nominals, signifying your professional excellence
- Gain industry recognition as a leader in dentistry
- Be acknowledged as a highly proficient practitioner
- Showcase your affiliation with the RACDS through a Fellowship banner
- Receive a Testamur
Involvement and Impact
- Make an impact on RACDS Committees
- Nominate for leadership roles, such as the Board of Directors
- Exercise full voting rights as a Fellow
- Engage in volunteering opportunities to impart your knowledge and experience
Resources and Publications
- Enjoy exclusive member prices and discounts
- Stay informed with regular publications and the latest updates via the College newsletter
- Shop RACDS merchandise
- List your jobs or clinic sales on the RACDS Jobs Board
- Access to CPD Tracker
Admission and Approval Process
Trainees and candidates who have met the criteria for Fellowship initiate applications by completing the Admission to Membership or Fellowship Application Form. The timeframe for an application to be approved after the initial assessment by the College is at the next Board of Directors meeting (held quarterly). Typically, this process will take 6 to 8 weeks.
Fellowship is not granted automatically after the completion of a training program or exam, you must apply.
The College will notify individuals who are eligible to apply for admission to Fellowship following the completion of the relevant pathway requirements. There will be a link in the eligibility letter to the online Admission form or it can be accessed here. An admission fee is due upon submission to cover the administration of your application.
The process below outlines the approval and admission of a Fellow.
1. Successful completion of pathway requirements.
2. Complete the Admission to Membership or Fellowship Application Form and pay the admission fee.
3. Application is processed, and the Board of Directors confers admission application (at the next quarterly meeting).
4. RACDS issues documents verifying Membership and Annual Fee invoice (pro rata).
5. Applicant pays RACDS Annual Fee (yearly payment) to finalise Membership application.
6. Membership confirmed, and applicant receives Testamur and access to Membership benefits. Please note that display of designated post-nominal, Testamur and access to other benefits requires the ongoing payment of an Annual Fee.
Induction Ceremony
Every two years, during the prestigious Fine Edge of Dentistry Conference, the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) holds its official Induction Ceremony. This significant event offers newly admitted Fellows and Members the distinguished honour of being formally presented to the President in the presence of peers, family, and friends. It is a memorable occasion that celebrates your accomplishments and marks a pivotal milestone in your professional journey.
Following the ceremony, the President’s Welcome Reception provides an esteemed setting to further acknowledge your achievements and engage with fellow professionals.
Mark this milestone in your career by joining the ranks of RACDS Fellows. Contact us to learn more about the Induction Ceremony.
Invest in your professional recognition and leadership with RACDS Fellowship. An annual fee ensures continued access to your post-nominals, Testamur, professional development resources, and exclusive Fellowship benefits.
For detailed information about fees associated with annual membership and other RACDS programs, please visit our College Fees page.
Still have questions? Visit our Membership FAQs page or contact us directly for personalised assistance.