The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, UK, is offering two memberships — Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) and Membership in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (MOMS) to Indian dental students and professionals. Stuart Hislop, Maxillofacial surgeon and exam coordinator from the Royal College gives us the lowdown on the examinations, eligibility criteria and more.
How can I avail the membership?
Diploma of membership of the faculty of dental surgery is offered to ensure high standards of dentistry practice and professional development through continuous assessment. The exam will test your knowledge, understanding and clinical competence. Candidates who pass the exam can then apply to the Royal College.
The postgraduate specialist diploma of membership in oral and maxillofacial surgery will indicate that postgraduates who have obtained a qualification in oral and maxillofacial surgery have reached a high standard with the training they have undergone. The exam tests their understanding of diagnosis and treatment planning over a wide range of problems in relation to oral and maxillofacial surgery.
What is the exam pattern?
The MFDS examination has two parts: Part one consists of two written papers for a duration of three hours. Paper 1 consists of multiple short answer questions and the fee for this paper will be £555 (`37,720 approx). Part two comprises an objective structured clinical examination totaling two hours. Candidates must have a written confirmation of a pass in part one before they apply to sit for part two. This paper consists of multiple choice questions (single best answer type) and extended matching questions. The fee for paper two is £685 (`46,556 approx).
The curriculum for the MFDS examination is available on the college websites, www.rcpsg.ac.uk and www.rcsed.ac.uk. The MOMS examination should be taken after one has obtained a qualification in his/her own country in oral and maxillofacial surgery. The examination pattern is the same as MFDS and the fee for part one is £750 (`50,974 approx) and for part two it is £900 (`61,169 approx).
What documents are required?
Aspiring candidates must provide evidence of:
a) Possession of a primary dental qualification
b) A written confirmation of passing in either MFDS (Edinburgh, Glasgow), or other examinations detailed on the websites
c) Complete a year of full-time postgraduate experience in clinical dentistry before applying for the examination.
What are the
scholarships
available?
The following scholarships are available to candidates who successfully clear the examinations.
TC White Young Researcher Grant is for college members interested in developing general research skills. Awarded primarily as a start-up fund, a maximum of £10,000 (`6,80,225 approx) is given annually.
TC White Travel Grant: Aimed at encouraging individuals to broaden their horizons by gaining clinical and/or research experience outside the UK, this grant offers assistance with travel and accommodation. This grant could be used for activities such as presenting a lecture, learning new techniques, or attending/participating in a conference or symposium. A maximum of three grants worth up to £2,000 (`1,36,045 approx) each, are awarded annually.
TC White Lecture Award is for those who are looking to present their research to a wider audience. The successful candidate will be awarded £1,000 and will be invited to present their lecture either at the College or at a professional meeting within the UK.
What about
opportunities in research and career?
Employment depends on registration of primary qualification with General Dental Council and home office rules of UK. However, these qualifications increase the job opportunities of the candidate especially in West Asia.
How will
Indians
benefit?
Successful Indian candidates will be able to recognise and deal safely with the non-specialist problems that they may encounter during routine practice of any branch of dentistry. This additional qualification increases job opportunities. The syllabus for these exams are almost similar to the Indian curriculum, so there is no need for separate study material.
;— kaviya@;newindianexpress.com