Course Description
The LDS, awarded by the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS) of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, is the UK’s oldest dental qualification. It consists of three parts, and passing grants full GDC registration.
LDS PART 1
LDS part 1 exam is comprised of two papers, each of up to three hours in duration conducted on the same day. The format will be the 150 single best answer (SBA) questions in each paper, mainly on knowledge and its application to:
- Paper A clinically applied dental science and clinically applied human disease.
- Paper B aspects of clinical dentistry, law, and ethics, and health and safety
LDS Part 1 online based exam.
In order to progress to Part 2, both Part 1 papers will need to be passed in one sitting. If either paper is failed candidates will be required to re-sit all of Part 1.
LDS Part 1 can accept up to 120 candidates and the exam happens once a year (May). Up to four attempts are allowed for each part of the exam.
LDS PART 2
The Part 2 exam of the LDS will be held over a two-day period and consists of two sections:
- Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) consisting of 12 stations, each of 7 minute duration; Will happen in a circuit. You will be tested on 12 OSCE Station.OSCES will be comprised of three types: Actor OSCES, Written OSCES & Medical Emergency
- The ‘unseen case’ exam – (based on an objective structured long examination – OSLE model) which is designed to test candidates’ diagnosis treatment planning and clinical reasoning. Consisting of four cases, approximately 30 minutes each.
LDS Part 2: Accepts 96 candidates per Diet.
Candidates must pass Part 2 within five years of passing Part 1. Up to three attempts are allowed for the Part 2 exam. It is a candidate’s responsibility to apply for resits..
The LDS Part 2 exam is delivered at the RCS England Examinations Suite, London, UK.
Read the LDS exam regulations and LDS Part 2 application guidance.
LDS PART 3: DENTAL MANIKIN
The Part 3 exam of the LDS will be held over a one-day period and consist of one section:
An180-minute operative assessment on a dental manikin, designed to test your practical clinical dental skills.
Reference: RCS website
LDS Part 3 accepts – 36 Candidates.
Candidates must pass Part 2 to be eligible to apply for Part 3. Up to three attempts are allowed for the Part 3 exam. It is a candidate’s responsibility to apply for resits.
The LDS Part 3 exam will be delivered at Queen Mary University of London, UK.
Results are scheduled to be released 5-6 weeks after the exam.
