Background

MJDF and the modern dental career

The Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties at The Royal College of Surgeons of England (MJDF RCS Eng) is an assessment, developed jointly by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) and the Faculty of Dental Surgery of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. This examination replaced:

• Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) (MFGDP[UK])
• Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS RCS Eng).

Modernising Medical Careers (MMC) changed the way postgraduate medical training is delivered. This change was driven by the need for more flexible training pathways to meet service and personal development requirements. One of the key elements in MMC is the foundation programme, which consists of an integrated two-year course of general professional training following initial medical qualification.

Within dentistry, the General Dental Council and the Department of Health have sought to develop 'modernising dental careers' along the lines of the medical model. A curriculum for foundation programmes in dentistry, the result being the 2006 publication of A Curriculum for UK Dental Foundation Programme Training defines the competencies, curriculum, educational content, training requirements, and expected outcomes for all dental graduates who complete dental foundation training.

The aim of the MJDF is to assess knowledge, application of knowledge and candidates' understanding of the structures and processes required to provide quality-assured dental healthcare after completion of a two year foundation programme for all dental graduates - whether they are pursuing a career in general or specialist practice in either primary or secondary care.  

Relying less on traditional tests of knowledge and more on workplace-based demonstration of competencies, the MJDF provides a modern, innovative assessment for today's dentist.