What is the MRACDS(GDP) Program?

The MRACDS(GDP) program is intended to be flexible and can be tailored to a candidate’s interests and schedule. Assessments are completed at a candidate’s own pace over a two year period.

The program comprises six core and three elective modules which are underpinned by:

  • The equivalent of 20 hours of appropriate CPD hours to underpin core and elective modules per year
  • Selected reading and self-paced education
  • Assessment components (short answer questions (SAQs), multiple choice questions (MCQs), case reports and a viva voce examination)

The program has a limited intake of candidates each year meaning you receive more personalised communication and can build a strong network with other candidates in the program.

young male dentist

Why should I enrol in the MRACDS(GDP) Program?

  • Apply for Membership in General Dental Practice (MRACDS(GDP))
  • Strengthen your clinical knowledge and evidence-based practice
  • Structure your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with a flexible, modular program
  • Gain mentorship from experienced dental professionals
  • Building connections within a prestigious professional network

MRACDS(GDP) Program Format

The College has six (6) core modules that are compulsory for the candidate to complete during MRACDS(GDP) assessment rounds. Assessment rounds take place three times per year. Core modules include the following:

  • Clinical Examination Technique and Dental Imaging
  • Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
  • Infection Control
  • Medical Emergencies
  • Practice Management, Law, Ethics and Risk Management
  • Therapeutics in Dentistry, Pain and Pain Management

Program Format for existing candidates (registered in 2025 or earlier):

There are eight open-book Short Answer Questions (SAQs) for each of the core modules. These questions are designed to be clinically relevant and appropriate for competent general dental practitioners. The SAQ’s include case-based scenarios and are structured to enable candidates to demonstrate their broad understanding of underlying principles and clinical relevance using valid scientific and clinical evidence.

Program Format for new candidates (registering in 2026):

Assessments will transition from short answer questions (SAQs) to multiple choice questions (MCQs). In 2026, the “Diagnosis and Treatment Planning” core module will be assessed by MCQs. The remaining core modules will remain as SAQs, until they are transition to MCQs anticipated from 2027.

Candidates must complete three (3) elective modules, which focus on specialty interest areas of clinical dentistry including:

  • Endodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Dentoalveolar Surgery
  • Operative Dentistry and Prosthodontics
  • Combined Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry
  • Combined Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics

Program Format for existing candidates (registered in 2025 or earlier):

Elective modules are assessed via submission of one case report per elective that covers the candidate’s personal treatment of cases representing the broad range of issues covered in the chosen elective. The aim of the case report is to enable candidates to present their own clinical work and to reflect on the treatment provided.

Program Format for new candidates (registering in 2026):

Elective modules require candidates to submit three of their own case reports, and each case must demonstrate multidisciplinary treatment in three of the six elective subjects.

Assessment Format for existing candidates (registered in 2025 or earlier):

Viva voce examination will be based on the candidate’s ability to demonstrate their understanding of case or cases describing a clinical scenario.

Assessment Format for new candidates (registering in 2026):

Viva voce examination will be based on candidate’s own case reports submitted as part of their elective modules.

Mentoring Program

An experienced mentor is provided for each MRACDS(GDP) candidate. The mentor will assist their candidate with professional guidance, advice and general support related to the program.

MRACDSGDP Mentoring Program

Stage 1
All candidates in the MRACDS(GDP) Program will be assigned a mentor from Orientation Day until the second assessment round. In this time, candidates are encouraged to seek mentoring advice on the program expectations and requirements, support and advice in locating relevant and appropriate resources, support in reviewing pre-assessment material and advice and support during assessment resubmission.

Stage 2
At the end of the following assessment round of the year (three months into the program for new candidates), candidates will be asked to choose one of the following options:

Opt-In – Long Term Mentoring
Candidates who would like to retain their mentoring relationship will be required to opt-in to long term mentoring. In this instance, candidates will maintain contact with their mentor on a regular basis (once every four weeks), for the duration of their time in the program. Long term mentoring will include support in all assessment areas including assessment rounds, case report submissions and viva voce preparation.

Opt-Out – Access to Short term mentoring
Candidates who choose to opt-out will be removed from the mentoring arrangement but will have access to short term, specific mentoring on request. Candidates who have an issue with a particular subject or require assistance with one aspect of the program (such as viva voce preparation) will be able to write to the College to request a mentor to assist with that particular area. The arrangement will be agreed on by both mentor and mentee, and the relationship will cease on completion of the task (i.e. assessment/case submission or viva voce) as arranged.

Conjoint Examination with the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong

Candidates undertaking the Membership in General Dentistry program with the College of Dental Surgeons of Hong Kong, can elect to undertake a conjoint examination leading to the MRACDS(GDP).

The MRACDS(GDP) program is open to eligible candidates who are registered to practice dentistry in Australia or New Zealand. Candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree three (3) years prior to enrolling in the Membership(GDP) program and have had a minimum of two (2) years’ clinical experience.

  • You will first need to apply for an Affiliate Membership to the College.

  • Once approved you can then enrol in the MRACDS(GDP) Program

     

Please refer to the College Fees webpage

For enquiries please contact info@racds.org.

Admission and Approval Process to Membership (GDP)

Candidates who have met the criteria for Membership 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.

Membership is not granted automatically after the completion of the MRACDS(GDP) Program, you must apply.

The College will notify individuals who are eligible to apply for admission to Membership 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 Member.

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.

Apply for Admission to Membership

 

 

MRACDS(GDP) Program FAQs

The MRACDS(GDP) Program is intended for general dentists. If you are a practicing dentist in Australia or New Zealand and wish to structure your professional development and gain a recognised qualification at the same time, then this is the program for you.

The Short Answer Question (SAQ) Assessments, i.e. core modules which consist of eight short answer questions is an open-book assessment and are conducted three times a year, usually around February, May and September. The SAQs will be uploaded into the LMS each Friday at 4.00 pm AEDT/AEST during the assessment period and must be completed by uploading it to the LMS in 48 hours.

The first case report, i.e. elective module must be submitted in the first 12 months. The second and third case reports can be submitted at any time. Please refer to the MRACDS GDP Assessment Policy.

The Viva Voce exams are conducted three times a year in March, July and November. These exams are held online by Zoom.

An orientation day is held in late January or early February each year. The induction day covers essential elements of the program and gives candidates the opportunity to meet each other, and key RACDS representatives and mentors.

Currently the MRACDS General Dental Practice Program is open to registrants residing in Australia and New Zealand only.

Each year there are up to 40 places available.