How to Prepare for MFDS Part 1 Exam

 Dr. Manal Musa

Before I begin with the preparation guide, those of you still not familiar with MFDS Exam, it stands for "Member of the Faculty of Dental Surgery" and is an internationally recognized dental qualification and gives one the membership of one of the Royal Colleges of UK. 

To understand what the Royal College is and what benefit does its membership have, please watch: https://youtu.be/ULOtGn-rEbU 

Preparation Guide:

Its recommended/preferable to give at least 4 months to the preparation of this exam, but I, fortunately or unfortunately had 2 months only. If I didn't have the right guidance and support, I never would've cleared this. Thanks to "Helping Dentists" and its MFDS Course Director (luckily my husband, Dr. Haris Ghole) that I got to-the-point guidance and study material that I needed to cover Alhamdulillah. Not only was I given that, but I was also taught how to study smart. Literally. 

Even though I wish I had more time for better revision but studying smart and doing the most important stuff thoroughly can get you through this exam as well.

So the mandatory things to cover are:

1. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry (https://amzn.to/3NlQ1RQ)

2. Delivering Better Oral Health

3. SDCEP Drug Prescribing in Dentistry 

4. SIGN and NICE Latest and Important Topics' Guidelines (mentioned below) 

5. BDA Advice Sheets 

6. Essentials of Dental Radiography and Radiology by Eric Whaites (https://amzn.to/38zsCNW)

7. Ultimate MJDF pastpapers

8. Welbury Paedodontics (tables only) (https://amzn.to/3NoDoFq)

9. Master Dentistry - Vol I (https://amzn.to/3adtcS9)

10. Removable Partial Denture Manual- Robert W. Loney

(always check whether there are any latest editions of books that you're going to study) 

➡️The main book Oxford is something that must be on your fingertips. Study it twice or thrice because each and every line holds great importance. It seems like a small book but the amount of information and knowledge it contains is plentiful.

➡️The Guidelines are equally important but they are not to be studied and crammed A to Z. Same is the case with other reference books like Oral Health Toolkit and Drug Prescribing. One should be able to skim through the pages but thoroughly. Making sure not to miss the concluding statements of every paragraph and memorizing the guidelines given on a certain treatment or advise. 

➡️There will be a lot of guidelines available online but the most important ones would be those related to the most common dental problems faced in real time e.g. Impacted 3rd Molars and Canines, Management of patients undergoing Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Dental Trauma, Implants etc.

➡️Also, as this exam is UK based, the must knows of practicing as a General Dentist there, whether in a private setup or under the NHS, are important too and can be covered in the guidelines and advice sheets given by them e.g. Policies and Guidelines regarding Leaves, Never Events, Infection Control, Waste Management, Staff Hiring and Salaries etc. 

➡️Pastpapers are a MUST DO. And should be done DAILY. Keep a target and keep increasing that for yourself. Do the MCQs with a timer on, this will help you stay focused and achieve your target easily. 

Hope you found this guide helpful. Remember me and my husband in your prayers.

If you also want the right guidance and material, I would highly recommend the Helping Dentists MFDS Course. 

For more information about the course, please reach out on Instagram: http://instagram.com/harisghole

How to apply for the exam: https://youtu.be/Bk1j5hyPty4 

My Husband's Exam Guide and Additional Study Material: https://www.helpingdentists.com/2016/10/mjdf-part-1-guide.html?m=1