- Haris Ghole
After taking the exam you will think that you have passed it and aced it, but that is not the case. Those who have failed it multiple times before succeeding have maintained that we were in the same state of mind in all the attempts. "Satisfied, confused and afraid, not-so-satisfactory satisfaction, failed-it feeling."
I haven't passed the exam yet, I'm waiting for results and I'm uncertain of what would happen with the results, but I have gained enough experience from the whole ordeal to guide you guys better on how to prepare for the exam.
People would tell you so, but it's not.
The preparation is easy, one can say. The preparation phase is the easiest, the examination phase is the most difficult.
I haven't found anything really helpful anywhere online and I guess this might be a good guide for all of you looking out for courses or guidance.
The main tip to pass the exam is this mindset: "You are a doctor in a general dental practice, and you have a patient in front of you, and you have to cater to the needs of the patient in 8 minutes, and you have to do it without leaving any important questions behind."
Now there is no specific set of rules to follow other than the basic ethics and rules applied to GDP in the UK. Sounds very simple, doesn't it?
Now there is no specific set of rules to follow other than the basic ethics and rules applied to GDP in the UK. Sounds very simple, doesn't it?
Exam Overview
The purpose of the exam is to judge you in different clinical domains. The exam will consist of a total of 10 stations. Each station is 10 minutes long, out of which you get 2 minutes to read the OSCE, and 8 minutes to perform it. There will be no rest station. The total marks will be 200, and only the Royal College knows the marking criteria.
The purpose of the exam is to judge you in different clinical domains. The exam will consist of a total of 10 stations. Each station is 10 minutes long, out of which you get 2 minutes to read the OSCE, and 8 minutes to perform it. There will be no rest station. The total marks will be 200, and only the Royal College knows the marking criteria.
At each station, you will find an OSCE question sheet outside on a chair. It will be laminated and will have all the details of the OSCE station that you are going to be examined in. You will have two minutes to read it after which you will hear a bell ring, you will leave this laminated sheet in place and go to your station.
Before I proceed, please take a look at this sample osce questionnaire provided by the Royal College itself. To be very honest, this is the most helpful aid in preparing for the exam. Because no other course will give you the right idea.
SAMPLE MFDS PART 2 EXAM:
https://rcpsg.ac.uk/documents/examinations/dentistry/mfds/365-sample-questions-part-2-osce/file
https://rcpsg.ac.uk/documents/examinations/dentistry/mfds/365-sample-questions-part-2-osce/file
There are three types of OSCE formats.
1. History Taking
2. Managing Patient Concerns \ Breaking Bad News
3. Explaining Investigations \ Explanations
1. History Taking
2. Managing Patient Concerns \ Breaking Bad News
3. Explaining Investigations \ Explanations
There are only two History Taking stations. There are four Managing Patient Concerns and four Explaining Investigations stations. Basically the stations other than History Taking station are interconnected so we will assume they are 4 each. The format keeps changing everytime though.
History Taking station
History Taking station will be the OSCE station where you will be given very little information and you will have to diagnose and manage the whole case. The tricky thing is that diagnosis and management is important, and sometimes it is very easy but the hard part is to ask proper questions and take a detailed history so that you don't miss important points. Sometimes, it happens that a patient has periodontal problem and you diagnose it correctly and give him management advice but what you forget is the fact that he is a chronic smoker, and you have to link smoking with periodontitis. Theme is written on the top of the laminated question sheet. If you see the theme is History Taking, then your main focus should be history taking. You have to take a detailed history without leaving anything behind.
Example of a history taking station question is:
"A patient attends to you clinic for the first time. Please take a detailed history and manage the patient concerns accordingly."
Explaining Investigation Station
All explanations and investigations fall under this heading. There will be four Explaining Investigation stations in which you will be given radiographs, clinical photographs and reports and you have to explain the finding to the patients. You will have to take to the point medical, dental and social history and be more focused on the main complaint and try to solve it. Diagnosis, prognosis, treatment plan, all come under this domain.
Managing Patient Concerns
There will be four Managing Patient Concerns stations as well. You will be required to address the different concerns that the patient comes up with. You have to be very empathetic in these stations and you should always listen to the patient and acknowledge them. Remember, this is an exam to test your communication skills, and not knowledge. So your focus should be that.
There will be four Managing Patient Concerns stations as well. You will be required to address the different concerns that the patient comes up with. You have to be very empathetic in these stations and you should always listen to the patient and acknowledge them. Remember, this is an exam to test your communication skills, and not knowledge. So your focus should be that.
Official Website Links
For more information visit the Royal College website:
MFDS Guidance VIDEO
https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/news-public-affairs/news/2012/august/mfds-guide-video
The video is helpful but is outdated and for your general idea of the exam. Format has been changed since so keep that in mind. Visit the website for more information.
Edinburgh
Book the exam:
https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/exams/mfds/part-2
Exam Regulations:
https://www.rcsed.ac.uk/exams/exam-regulations?examdefid=bae43bda-533f-4658-9a53-aad697284c16
Glasgow
https://rcpsg.ac.uk/dentistry/exams/mfds/part-2
Books and Study Material I Recommend:
SIGN guidelines
NICE guidelines
Past Feedbacks
People also recommend OSCEs by Kathleen fan but I didn't find it useful as I didn't have time to read it.
Facebook Groups to follow:
MFDS Part 2 Study Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/316820935357302/?ref=group_header
MFDS Friends Part 2 Study Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1717256595164473/?ref=group_header
How to Prepare?
Interestingly, this is the easier part. You have no syllabus. Your syllabus is general dental practice and whatever is covered in it. You do need to know some basics and ethics. It's very hard to cover it all here so I will try to make a course or video about it for you guys. Let me know how you guys want me to continue on this. But this cannot be explained here so I'll just write a brief overview.
People give different guesses like two questions will be from periodontology, two from ortho, etc. This is not the case. Every exam is different. A lot is repeated from the important topics but the scenario is almost always different. I repeat again, this exam is not about studying what is coming, it's about learning how to tackle the patient and how to deliver your knowledge in an acceptable way. Instead of a list of important topics, I would share the past paper feedbacks that I have so that you can get an idea of that comes in the exams. Drop by your email for that.
I studied Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry for topics that I was weak in and for values and stuff. I read Clinical Problems by John Laszlo, which in my opinion is an amazing book and wonderful read. Didn't have time for Odell so I couldn't do it. I took Sana Humayun's course. The course is actually a collection of 64 OSCEs that Sana Humayun has recorded in her voice. Sana Humayun is a great person and she helped me whenever I contacted her but I would not recommend anyone to base their preparation on her course. She does give you an idea of what to say and how to say, but the actual exam is quite different. I won't say her course is useless, it did help me. But I would recommend you guys to do more if you're doing her course. Read this guide, and maybe talk to someone who has taken the exam to guide you. If you are relying on her course alone, I would recommend you to make a change of plan.
How to tackle the exam?
Now execution is more important than preparation. Again, just like preparation part of the post, execution part is also very difficult to cover here in writing. I will however try to guide you guys keeping the sample osces by Royal College in view. Stay confident, and keep a grip over your nerves and you will pass the exam. Easier said than done.
There are certain parts that you have to be careful about. Greeting the patient properly, showing empathy and showing it in the right way so that the examiner can see that you treat your patients as human beings, listening to the patient carefully and not cutting him off. Respecting the patients' concerns and beliefs and acknowledging them properly.
You will have two minutes to read the whole scenario (which in some cases is a very big and confusing one), so make sure you are vigilant in that aspect. You have to read the scenario, retain it in your mind, consult the OPG, radiographs or clinical pictures given along with it and make up a plan in your mind, all this in just 2 minutes. This is the basis on which your case goes forward.
Actors are often misleading(just like patients in real life) and sometimes you don't have to totally rely on their answers and you have to use your sound clinical judgement in all possible ways.
Sample Start of the OSCE if you have time (e.g. history taking stations)
Good morning sir/ma'am, my name is Dr. ________, and I'll be the dentist seeing you today. Can I please confirm your name and age?
*patient answers*
and how would you like me to call you?
*patients tells you how*
Thank you, how can I help you today Mr/Mrs ___________?
Every aspect of the exam has a detailed explanation which I cannot cover here in writing. I will give you some tips for the exam below and I hope this guide will help you prepare for the exam better.
- Always avoid jargon. Use simple language that anyone can understand. If you have accidently said something technical, immediately cover it up by something like sorry for the medical term etc.
- Always say sorry and empathize when patient tells you about pain or his suffering.
- Always say thank you when the patient gives you some information or answers your questions. (Not on every question of course but you get what I mean to say, don't you? Somethings cannot be explained until they are practiced.
- Always ask updates on medical and dental history.
- Always ask social history. Congratulate if the patient is a non smoker; ask if he wants to quit if he is a smoker; ask if you can help him with stress if he's stressed.
- Always ask questions like 'are you with me?', 'is everything clear?', 'do you have any questions?'
- Always reassure and empathize whenever it is required. 'Don't worry it is my duty to help you'
- Always give oral hygiene advice in the end.
- Always give leaflets in the end.
- Always follow the latest guidelines. Whatever you are saying, if it's according to the latest guidelines, then you are right. Don't follow outdated books or courses as they won't do you any good.
- Always remember you are a general dental practitioner. Whenever something comes that is outside the scope of a GDP, never hesitate to refer.
- Always remember, the most common problem and the most common solution is most commonly required of you. Don't overthink and go to the less common diagnosis and treatments.
Frequently asked questions?
- Do we have to greet the examiners?
No, you don't have to. You will make no communication with the examiners at all. They will behave as if they are not present there.
- Do we shake hands with the actors?
You may, or may not. This question was asked by the examiners in a MFDS preparation course and they said its better not to because in some cultures handshakes are not preferred. I did however shook hands with male actors and verbally greeted the female actresses.
- Are we provided with notes and pen to write about the cases?
Yes, you are provided with paper and stationery to make notes. But you don't have time to go through it. I used the 2 minutes to read the whole scenario, I wrote down important points in the paper but when I went in to deal with the patient I didn't have time to look down and read from my notes. So it's a matter of personal preference.
- What if I finish early?
If you finish before time, you can complete your OSCE and go sit outside. If you find that you have forgotten something, you can come back again and say that.
- What if I couldn't finish before time is over?
If you could not complete your OSCE before time is over, don't waste any more time. No marks are given after the bell rings for the time. The time you will waste in completing the OSCE will come from the two minutes that you require to read the next one. So just say thank you and leave the stations as soon as the bell rings.
Ask more questions and I will include them in the post.
Last words
I have always tried to help people free of cost because I don't feel it right to share knowledge and ask money for it. My idea of business is way bigger than that and I don't believe in selling copyrighted material by putting my label on it. Anyways, this exam does require a partner with whom you can practice and an experienced person who has taken it before to guide you. I'm doing a job, running my practice and managing multiple businesses, so I would not have time to guide you guys for free. If I start a course it would be a paid one, and only if there are a good number of interested people. Let me know if it should be done or not. However, I do believe this post is the best available guide on MFDS part 2 online. And I hope you guys will get to learn a lot and have your confusions cleared. If you have questions, I am always available online. Please don't hesitate to ask.
Do pray for my results and my friends'. I didn't wait for the result to write this guide because trust me, this is not your regular exam. You can never be sure. Prayers requested. :)
Update:
I passed. Thank you everyone for the prayers and support. :)
Please join this group for MJDF/MFDS material:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/143283829753804/
NICE guidelines
Past Feedbacks
People also recommend OSCEs by Kathleen fan but I didn't find it useful as I didn't have time to read it.
Facebook Groups to follow:
MFDS Part 2 Study Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/316820935357302/?ref=group_header
MFDS Friends Part 2 Study Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1717256595164473/?ref=group_header
How to Prepare?
Interestingly, this is the easier part. You have no syllabus. Your syllabus is general dental practice and whatever is covered in it. You do need to know some basics and ethics. It's very hard to cover it all here so I will try to make a course or video about it for you guys. Let me know how you guys want me to continue on this. But this cannot be explained here so I'll just write a brief overview.
People give different guesses like two questions will be from periodontology, two from ortho, etc. This is not the case. Every exam is different. A lot is repeated from the important topics but the scenario is almost always different. I repeat again, this exam is not about studying what is coming, it's about learning how to tackle the patient and how to deliver your knowledge in an acceptable way. Instead of a list of important topics, I would share the past paper feedbacks that I have so that you can get an idea of that comes in the exams. Drop by your email for that.
I studied Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry for topics that I was weak in and for values and stuff. I read Clinical Problems by John Laszlo, which in my opinion is an amazing book and wonderful read. Didn't have time for Odell so I couldn't do it. I took Sana Humayun's course. The course is actually a collection of 64 OSCEs that Sana Humayun has recorded in her voice. Sana Humayun is a great person and she helped me whenever I contacted her but I would not recommend anyone to base their preparation on her course. She does give you an idea of what to say and how to say, but the actual exam is quite different. I won't say her course is useless, it did help me. But I would recommend you guys to do more if you're doing her course. Read this guide, and maybe talk to someone who has taken the exam to guide you. If you are relying on her course alone, I would recommend you to make a change of plan.
How to tackle the exam?
Now execution is more important than preparation. Again, just like preparation part of the post, execution part is also very difficult to cover here in writing. I will however try to guide you guys keeping the sample osces by Royal College in view. Stay confident, and keep a grip over your nerves and you will pass the exam. Easier said than done.
There are certain parts that you have to be careful about. Greeting the patient properly, showing empathy and showing it in the right way so that the examiner can see that you treat your patients as human beings, listening to the patient carefully and not cutting him off. Respecting the patients' concerns and beliefs and acknowledging them properly.
You will have two minutes to read the whole scenario (which in some cases is a very big and confusing one), so make sure you are vigilant in that aspect. You have to read the scenario, retain it in your mind, consult the OPG, radiographs or clinical pictures given along with it and make up a plan in your mind, all this in just 2 minutes. This is the basis on which your case goes forward.
Actors are often misleading(just like patients in real life) and sometimes you don't have to totally rely on their answers and you have to use your sound clinical judgement in all possible ways.
Sample Start of the OSCE if you have time (e.g. history taking stations)
Good morning sir/ma'am, my name is Dr. ________, and I'll be the dentist seeing you today. Can I please confirm your name and age?
*patient answers*
and how would you like me to call you?
*patients tells you how*
Thank you, how can I help you today Mr/Mrs ___________?
The reason why we are confirming the name and age is sometimes it has happened that patient has raised objection on the way the candidate has called him. It's just a prophylaxis to avoid that.
You can also start it as,
Good morning sir/ma'am, I'm Dr._______ and I'll be the dentist seeing you today, how can I help you?
Now you see different headings in the sample paper. Name, Age, Medical History, Dental History, Social History. Whatever is missing in the OSCE paper, you have to ask it. For example, if medical history is missing, take a detailed medical history. If it is written that patient is medically fit and well, then just update the history, for example:
I can see from my notes that you are medically fit and well. Can you please update me on that? Any recent medicines or drugs that you're taking? Any recent visits to medical practitioner or specialists? Any recent hospitalizations? Any recent allergies?
Every aspect of the exam has a detailed explanation which I cannot cover here in writing. I will give you some tips for the exam below and I hope this guide will help you prepare for the exam better.
- Always avoid jargon. Use simple language that anyone can understand. If you have accidently said something technical, immediately cover it up by something like sorry for the medical term etc.
- Always say sorry and empathize when patient tells you about pain or his suffering.
- Always say thank you when the patient gives you some information or answers your questions. (Not on every question of course but you get what I mean to say, don't you? Somethings cannot be explained until they are practiced.
- Always ask updates on medical and dental history.
- Always ask social history. Congratulate if the patient is a non smoker; ask if he wants to quit if he is a smoker; ask if you can help him with stress if he's stressed.
- Always ask questions like 'are you with me?', 'is everything clear?', 'do you have any questions?'
- Always reassure and empathize whenever it is required. 'Don't worry it is my duty to help you'
- Always give oral hygiene advice in the end.
- Always give leaflets in the end.
- Always follow the latest guidelines. Whatever you are saying, if it's according to the latest guidelines, then you are right. Don't follow outdated books or courses as they won't do you any good.
- Always remember you are a general dental practitioner. Whenever something comes that is outside the scope of a GDP, never hesitate to refer.
- Always remember, the most common problem and the most common solution is most commonly required of you. Don't overthink and go to the less common diagnosis and treatments.
Frequently asked questions?
- Do we have to greet the examiners?
No, you don't have to. You will make no communication with the examiners at all. They will behave as if they are not present there.
- Do we shake hands with the actors?
You may, or may not. This question was asked by the examiners in a MFDS preparation course and they said its better not to because in some cultures handshakes are not preferred. I did however shook hands with male actors and verbally greeted the female actresses.
- Are we provided with notes and pen to write about the cases?
Yes, you are provided with paper and stationery to make notes. But you don't have time to go through it. I used the 2 minutes to read the whole scenario, I wrote down important points in the paper but when I went in to deal with the patient I didn't have time to look down and read from my notes. So it's a matter of personal preference.
- What if I finish early?
If you finish before time, you can complete your OSCE and go sit outside. If you find that you have forgotten something, you can come back again and say that.
- What if I couldn't finish before time is over?
If you could not complete your OSCE before time is over, don't waste any more time. No marks are given after the bell rings for the time. The time you will waste in completing the OSCE will come from the two minutes that you require to read the next one. So just say thank you and leave the stations as soon as the bell rings.
Ask more questions and I will include them in the post.
Last words
I have always tried to help people free of cost because I don't feel it right to share knowledge and ask money for it. My idea of business is way bigger than that and I don't believe in selling copyrighted material by putting my label on it. Anyways, this exam does require a partner with whom you can practice and an experienced person who has taken it before to guide you. I'm doing a job, running my practice and managing multiple businesses, so I would not have time to guide you guys for free. If I start a course it would be a paid one, and only if there are a good number of interested people. Let me know if it should be done or not. However, I do believe this post is the best available guide on MFDS part 2 online. And I hope you guys will get to learn a lot and have your confusions cleared. If you have questions, I am always available online. Please don't hesitate to ask.
Do pray for my results and my friends'. I didn't wait for the result to write this guide because trust me, this is not your regular exam. You can never be sure. Prayers requested. :)
Update:
I passed. Thank you everyone for the prayers and support. :)
Please join this group for MJDF/MFDS material:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/143283829753804/
The easiest way to contact me is through Instagram.
Send me a DM and I'll make sure to respond as soon as is possible: https://instagram.com/harisghole
Hi there.. thank you very much for the comprehensive guide and generous sharing of knowledge :) could you share some useful material regarding the mfds part 2 exam? my email is blivinmagic@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteThank you sooo much!! :)
Thank you for the kind words. Please join this group for MJDF/MFDS material:
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/groups/143283829753804/
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