MFDS Success - Why take the Part 2 Exam with us?
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The Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) Part 2 of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh is a long established, internationally recognised, Objective Stuctured Clinical Examination (OSCE). It is designed to test your clinical competence by assessing your communication skills and knowledge, understanding and management of a range of common conditions. The examination normally lasts around two hours, and consists of 10 stations which are examined plus a number of rest stations.
We caught up with Yasamin Zarandi, graduate from the University of Bristol, who has recently passed the MFDS OSCE exam and is now a member of our College. Yasamin talks about her experience with the exam and why she chose to sit it with the RCSEd.
1. What was your experience with the exam and what motivated you to take it?
I wanted to take the exam to consolidate what I learned as an undergraduate. I found the exam to be a fair assessment of my knowledge.
2. What did you do to prepare for the exam?
For the written exam I used a dental MCQ book and the Oxford Handbook of Clinical Dentistry, which gave me a nice concise overview of key topics. For the OSCE I practiced talking through scenarios with friends which got me into the rhythm of answering questions under time constraints.
3. What tips would you give to those looking to take this exam?
Give yourself plenty of time to revise! I Initially found it challenging to fit my revision in around a full time job ( I no longer had the luxury of spending all day in a library which I’d grown so accustomed to as an undergrad). I felt like the odd half hour or hour here and there over a prolonged period of time worked well for me. By giving myself a longer time frame I didn’t really feel the stress that I had felt around exams in the past. It also meant that I could enjoy a decent amount of down time after a busy week at work.
4. What are the key benefits the exam brought you?
I definitely feel more confident in my clinical knowledge since sitting the exams. I also feel more confident in my ability to teach; I recently had some dental students shadowing me at work and I was better prepared to answer their questions (which may have made me squirm before).
5. What are your next plans in your career journey?
I'm coming to the end of my DCT2 job having spent most of the last two years working as a maxillofacial SHO. I have accepted a job as an associate in General Practice from September and am very much looking forward to having my evenings and weekends back. In the future I would really like to split my week between General Practice and staff grade post.
6. What benefits have you personally found being a member of RCSEd and why did you choose to be a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh?
I am a bit of history fanatic and one of the facts that drew me to RCSEd is that it's one of the oldest colleges in the world and counts some of my medical heroes, such as Lord Lister, amongst its alumni. I was also attracted by the fact that the College offers great discounts on study days and a great range of postgraduate dental courses.
By choosing to sit your MFDS examination Part 2 with us, you will be joining our membership network of more than 26,000 professionals in over 100 countries worldwide. As well as joining a College renowned for its heritage and innovation, the College offers a wide range of Membership services to support you through every step in your career and professional development.
Find out more about the MDFS Part 2 exam and book your place here. Find details on the MFDS Part 2 OSCE Preparation Course here.
