Life after MJDF - Support throughout your career

The MJDF is just one step along your career path. Where you go next is up to you, but the unique aspect of the MJDF is that expert support after passing it is available no matter whether you go on to work in primary or secondary care (or both).

Two faculties for the price of one

The MJDF (like the MFDS) requires you to maintain membership of the awarding Royal College in order to be able to use the MJDF post-nominals. In this case you would join The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS Eng).

However, by joining the RCS Eng you also receive an unrivaled package of support for the first 6 years after passing the MJDF, as you will be a member of both the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and the Faculty of Dental Surgery.

Membership of the FGDP(UK)

The Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) is the only dental faculty that is run by primary care dentists for primary care dentists. No faculty understands general dental practice and general dental practitioners better than the FGDP(UK). Nor does any other faculty offer such a range of services tailored to the needs of general dental practitioners.

You will receive all of the benefits of membership of the FGDP(UK). These include:

Primary Dental Journal
A themed professional development journal aimed at people working in general dental practice. Each issue of the PDJ focuses on a key topic in primary care dentistry and offers a combination of research, clinical best practice papers and scenario articles allowing you to ensure that your knowledge and practices are up to date. To request a sample copy of the PDJ please email [email protected]

Discounts on courses
If you want to develop your skills further the FGDP(UK) runs a range of highly rated courses. From Implant Dentistry to Minor Oral Surgery the FGDP(UK) offers a range of opportunities for you to broaden your portfolio of skills. FGDP(UK) members receive discounts of up to £1000.

Discounts on publications
All FGDP(UK) members get significant discounts on our suite of standards publications, thus making it cheaper and easy for you to practise to recognise standards.

Local to you
The FGDP(UK) has a network of local branches known as Divisions. The FGDP(UK)'s Divisions are all different, being led by local members and running events from lectures to study days. All Divisions offer you the opportunity to get involved in the FGDP(UK).

Online resources
As well as access to the RCS Athens portal and a wide array of journals, there is exclusive online content for FGDP(UK) members through the FGDP(UK) website.

A voice in the profession
The FGDP(UK) speaks out on matters related to primary care dentistry and engages at all levels with key stakeholders. You can play a part in shaping the faculty's interactions with the dental profession through membership of Faculty committees, Divisional Boards, and the National Board.

For more information about the FGDP(UK) visit the FGDP(UK) website

Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery

In contrast to the FGDP(UK), the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) is a professional body committed to enabling dental specialists to provide patients with the highest possible standards of practice and care. The FDS offers you the support you need if you would like to move into secondary care dentistry, and thereafter once you are practising in secondary care. 

You will receive all of the benefits of membership of the FDS. These include:

A voice in the profession
The FDS speaks out on matters relating to specialist dentistry, oral health and dental education. It engages with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels.

Courses and continuing professional development
The FDS is a leading provider of specialist dental training. If you want to move into a specialism or enhance existing specialist skills the FDS provides numerous opportunities to do so.

Specialist publications
The FDS publishes a wide range of specialist publications. The flagship publication is the Faculty Dental Journal which publishes research and opinion on all matters relating to secondary care dentistry.

Research
The FDS promotes and supports research in the dental specialities.

Standards
Specialist practitioners are supported through a range of national clinical guidelines that provide clarity on good practice in secondary care dentistry.

For more information about the FDS visit the FDS website.

After 6 years
Having been an MJDF member of the two dental faculties for 6 years you will have a better idea of where your career is going. At that point you are asked to choose whether to remain a member of the FGDP(UK), the FDS, or to remain a member of both faculties. Whatever you choose you will retain the right to use MJDF after your name. You will be able to switch between faculties if the need arises, so that at all times you can receive the support you need.

In short
You cannot receive a more comprehensive and tailored package of support for your career anywhere else.