MRACD
Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Overview
The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS exam) which is the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination is a comprehensive assessment designed to measure a dentist’s understanding of the core biomedical sciences that underpin safe and effective dental practice. It assesses whether candidates possess a strong scientific foundation and can integrate this knowledge into everyday clinical decision-making.
The examination covers six essential disciplines: Anatomy, Physiology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Histology, Microbiology, and Pathology. Rather than testing theory in isolation, the PDS exam emphasizes the clinical application of these subjects, ensuring candidates can relate basic science concepts to diagnosis, treatment planning, disease processes, and patient management in dentistry.
The PDS Examination serves as an important academic milestone for dentists seeking to advance their professional standing, as it forms a recognized pathway toward Membership of the RACDS (MRACDS). It is particularly suited to dentists who wish to strengthen their diagnostic reasoning, deepen their scientific understanding of oral and systemic conditions, and build greater confidence in clinical practice.
Overall, the RACDS PDS Examination supports professional development by reinforcing the scientific principles that guide high-quality, evidence-based dental care and by preparing dentists for more advanced clinical and professional responsibilities.
Key Information:
The Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General Dental Practice (MRACDS(GDP)) is a two-year, flexible, modular program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of general dental practitioners. It is a pathway toward Fellowship with the College (FRACDS) and requires candidates to be registered to practice in Australia or New Zealand.
key information about the MRACDS(GDP) program, including changes for 2026:
The program is structured around six compulsory core modules and three elective modules chosen from six options.
Assessment methods are changing for 2026. Core modules will transition from Short Answer Questions (SAQs) to Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), starting with “Diagnosis and Treatment Planning” in 2026. For elective modules, candidates will submit three case reports demonstrating multidisciplinary treatment. Upon completion of modules and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements, candidates undertake a Viva Voce examination based on their submitted cases.
To be eligible, candidates need a minimum of three years post-undergraduate study, two years of clinical experience, 20 hours of CPD per year, and must hold Affiliate membership with the RACDS. The program is self-paced over two years, and fees vary based on membership.
For candidates who registered in 2025 or earlier, core modules are assessed by SAQs, elective modules require one case report each, and the CPD requirement is 20 hours in total over two years.
It is important to note that the MRACDS(GDP) is not a standalone registrable qualification, examinations are recorded via Zoom, and places are limited.
Key Information on RACDS OMS Examinations:
The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) offers an accredited training program in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) in Australia and New Zealand. The program requires trainees to pass two key examinations: the Foundation Examination and the Fellowship Examination, along with ongoing assessments.
- Foundation Examination (First Year – OMS 1): This exam evaluates core knowledge, foundational surgical skills, and professional aptitude. It includes a two-day written assessment (short-answer questions) and a two-day clinical examination (viva). Content covers surgical anatomy, equipment/skills, pharmacology, perioperative management, pathology, and imaging. Passing is necessary to progress from OMS 1 to OMS 3, with a maximum of three attempts allowed.
- Fellowship Examination (FRACDS(OMS)): Taken in the final 18 months of training (Year 3 or 4), this is the exit exam for the training program.
Eligibility
The MRACDS(GDP) program (General Dental Practice) is open to dentists registered in Australia or New Zealand with a minimum of two years of clinical experience. Applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree at least three years prior to enrolling, hold an affiliate membership with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons | RACDS, and be able to demonstrate competency across defined subject areas.
Key Eligibility Criteria:
- Registration: Current registration to practice dentistry in Australia or New Zealand.
- Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience.
- Qualification: Completion of an undergraduate dental degree at least three (3) years before enrollment.
- Affiliation: Must have Affiliate Membership with RACDS.
Key Details for Enrollment:
- Structure: The program is a 2-year modular, structured, and flexible course.
- Exemptions: Candidates with specific higher degrees (e.g., Masters, PhD) might be eligible for exemptions from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination.
- Assessment: The program involves completing modules and a final Viva Voce Examination.
MRACDS(SDP) (Specialist Dental Practice) Eligibility:
- Requires a 3-year full-time program accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) or Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ).
- Requires full, unconditional Specialist Dental registration.
For more, refer to the official RACDS General Dental Practice Handbook or specialist handbook.
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