Showcase Your Clinical Skills
The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) National Dental Skills Competition gives dental students from across the UK and Ireland the chance to demonstrate their skills and represent their school in a prestigious national competition.
Since its launch, the competition has become a highlight of the Faculty of Dental Surgery calendar, providing participants with hands-on experience, professional feedback and the opportunity to enhance their CVs.
Why Enter the RCSEd National Dental Skills Competition
- Test your abilities across key clinical and technical skills.
- Gain national recognition and feedback from experienced clinicians.
- Develop confidence and build your professional portfolio.
- Network with peers and mentors from across the UK, Ireland and internationally.
- Complimentary affiliate membership with RCSEd included for participants.
Skills You’ll Master in the National Dental Skills Competition
Challenges include:
- Implant placement
- Tooth anatomy identification
- Wire bending and orthodontic techniques
- Composite placement and restorative skills
- Endodontics
- Denture set-up and try-in
- Removal of buried roots
- Suturing and flap design
- Model scanning and digital dentistry
- Remote surgery and laparoscopy dexterity
RCSEd & CoMD National Dental Skills Competition 2025/26
The RCSEd & CoMD National Dental Skills Competition 2025/26 is a prestigious, hands-on competition open to all final year dental students across the UK and Ireland. It challenges participants to demonstrate practical clinical skills in a supportive but competitive setting, while representing their dental school on a national stage.
The competition is proudly sponsored by the College of Medicine and Dentistry (CoMD), supporting the development and recognition of future dental professionals.
We are currently running throughout the UK and Ireland.
Heat winners will be invited to attend the Grand Final at the College (Edinburgh campus) on 26 March 2026.
Past Winners of the Dental Skills Competition
Competition Highlights and Gallery
2024/25 UK and Ireland Dental Clinical Skills Competition
In partnership with Straumann Group, RCSEd hosted the 2024/25 UK and Ireland dental clinical skills competition grand final on 29 March 2025. Final year dental students competed across ten practical stations including oral surgery restorative dentistry and prevention focused challenges.
Read here
2023/24 UK and Ireland Dental Clinical Skills Competition
RCSEd hosted the 2023/24 UK and Ireland dental clinical skills competition grand final on 21 March 2024, welcoming students from sixteen dental schools. Vicki Rees from the University of Liverpool won first place, receiving a £500 Amazon voucher and a digital SLR camera for intraoral photography, generously provided by Tom Bereznicki.
Read here
2022/23 UK and Ireland Dental Clinical Skills Competition
In partnership with Dentsply Sirona, RCSEd hosted the 2022/23 UK and Ireland dental clinical skills competition grand final. Gaeun Oh from Queen Mary University of London won first place, receiving a £1,000 cheque provided by Dentsply Sirona and a digital SLR camera for intraoral photography, generously provided by Tom Bereznicki.
Read here
2021/22 UK and Ireland Dental Clinical Skills Competition
In partnership with Dentsply Sirona, RCSEd hosted the 2021/22 UK and Ireland dental clinical skills competition grand final. Philip Eburne from the University of Birmingham won first place, receiving a £2,000 cheque, a digital SLR camera for intraoral photography and a trophy, with the camera generously donated by Dr Tom Bereznicki.
Read here
International Dental Skills Competition
The RCSEd International Dental Clinical Skills Competition - Malaysia 2025
On 16 August 2025, Straumann Group proudly sponsored the RCSEd international dental clinical skills competition in Malaysia. This exciting partnership brought together nine dental schools from across the country to compete in a series of timed challenges, testing their clinical skills, precision and adaptability.
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The RCSEd International Dental Clinical Skills Competition - Egypt 2024
RCSEd hosted its first international dental clinical skills competition in Egypt in 2024 at Newgiza University. Twelve final year dental students from leading Egyptian universities competed in practical challenges testing clinical skills and knowledge. Amr Mohamed from NGU took first place, with strong performances from Al-Azhar and NGU students.
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Join the RCSEd Dental Affiliate Network
Dental Affiliate Network
As you progress in your study, complete your training, or prepare for your MFDS or Specialty Membership Examinations, having the right support is crucial. RCSEd is here to help you shape your dental career progression and offer you a wide range of resources for training, Membership and Fellowship Examinations and development opportunities.
Join now