The Fellowship Examination in General Dental Practice is an assessment of clinical and theoretical knowledge in an experiential context, over a broad base of general dental practice. The level of expectation is specifically set at the experienced general practitioner level and not the specialist level.
2026 Examination Dates:
Written Examinations: Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th January 2026
Viva Voce Examinations: Monday 19th and Tuesday 20th January 2026
Enrolment for Fellowship Examination 2026 is closed. To register your interest for 2027 please submit an Expression of Interest below.
The Fellowship Examination (GDP) is open to candidates who have passed or been granted exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, or have gained Membership in General Dental Practice through the MRACDS(GDP) Program.
Candidates must have completed their undergraduate degree at least three years prior to enrolling, have a minimum of two years clinical experience and hold registration to practice dentistry with a recognised registering body.
Do you have a Masters, PhD or DClinDent?
You could be eligible for an exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, putting you on the fast track to the Fellowship Examination (GDP). Apply now
Enroling is easy!
Please ensure that you have read and understood the requirements and fees for the Primary Dental Sciences Examination and then follow the steps below:
- Check your eligibility that you have either:
- Passed the Primary Dental Sciences Examination
- Granted exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination
- Completed MRACDS(GDP) Program
- Enrol in the Fellowship Examination (GDP) while enrolments is open via the link above.
For enquiries please contact [email protected].
Fellowship Examination (GDP) Format
The Fellowship Examination (GDP) consists of two sections:
Section 1: General Dentistry
- Written paper of three (3) hours’ duration
- Viva voce (oral) examination (30 minutes) including discussion of a seen clinical case and an unseen clinical case
Section 2: Elective
Candidates select one (1) of the following three (3) topics:
- Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology
- Periodontics, Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
- Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Candidates will complete:
- Written paper of three (3) hours’ duration
- Viva voce (oral) examination (35 minutes) including discussion of a seen clinical case and an unseen clinical case
Preparation for Fellowship Success
The Preparation for Fellowship Success (PFS) workshop is an intensive preparatory course which aims to maximise success and boost your confidence in passing the Fellowship Examination (GDP) and achieving Fellowship with the College.
The PFS workshop will focus on writing skills, examination format and training on viva voce techniques. Small interactive groups hosted by facilitators will help you work through virtual clinical cases to improve your ability to think, analyse and develop management plans for patients in an examination setting.
What is the Fellowship Examination (GDP)?
In the Fellowship Examination (GDP) candidates are expected to demonstrate a greater breadth of knowledge about general dental practice and a greater depth of knowledge about specialist dental practice than the average general dental practitioner.
The focus is on the candidate’s ability to:
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- manage patients holistically for General Dental Practice
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- make an informed clinical assessment and analysis
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- consider a diagnosis and show evidence in applying diagnostic or surgical sieves
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- present appropriate treatment options
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- demonstrate the ability to justify the management options by reflecting on practice and with reference to current literature and evidence-based practice.
Why should I sit the Fellowship Examination (GDP)?
- Apply for Fellowship in General Dental Practice (FRACDS(GDP))
- Acknowledgement of your knowledge and skills
- Highest level of recognition amongst peers within your specialty
- Gain better employment
- Further your learning and development
- Differentiate myself from other practitioners
- Become more involved with the College
Admission and Approval Process to Fellowship (GDP)
Trainees and candidates who have met the criteria for Fellowship initiate applications by completing the Admission to Membership or Fellowship Application Form. The timeframe for an application to be approved after the initial assessment by the College is at the next Board of Directors meeting (held quarterly). Typically, this process will take 6 to 8 weeks.
Fellowship is not granted automatically after the completion of the Fellowship Examination, you must apply.
The College will notify individuals who are eligible to apply for admission to Fellowship following the completion of the relevant pathway requirements. There will be a link in the eligibility letter to the online Admission form or it can be accessed here. An admission fee is due upon submission to cover the administration of your application.
The process below outlines the approval and admission of a Fellow.
1. Successful completion of pathway requirements.
2. Complete the Admission to Membership or Fellowship Application Form and pay the admission fee.
3. Application is processed, and the Board of Directors confers admission application (at the next quarterly meeting).
4. RACDS issues documents verifying Membership and Annual Fee invoice (pro rata).
5. Applicant pays RACDS Annual Fee (yearly payment) to finalise Membership application.
6. Membership confirmed, and applicant receives Testamur and access to Membership benefits. Please note that display of designated post-nominal, Testamur and access to other benefits requires the ongoing payment of an Annual Fee.
Fellowship Examination FAQs
The GDP Handbook includes a guide to study and suggested reading list. Candidates should have access to current journal articles and maintain an individual resource library in preparation for the examination.
Candidates can also access past Fellowship written exam papers and RACDS offers a Preparation for Fellowship Success (PFS) workshop.
This provides candidates with an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge on writing skills, examination format and training on viva voce techniques.
Yes, Candidate Advisors are available in each region to assist candidates with study groups, tutorials and general direction – Find your Candidate Advisor here.
You are also encouraged to join our private “RACDS Fellowship Examination (GDP) Study Group” on Facebook to receive up to date information, exchange study notes and share tips with each other.
Yes, some candidates work full-time while preparing for the Fellowship Examination, but it’s a personal decision. Consider taking leave from work to sit the examination.
The Fellowship Examination in GDP is held at the beginning of each year. The Fellowship Examination consists of 1 x 3 hour written paper exam in General Dentistry, 1 x 3 hour written paper exam in your chosen Elective, 1 x 35min viva voce in General Dentistry and 1 x 35min viva voce in your chosen Elective. For more information, please use the GDP Handbook or explore the Fellowship page on our website.
The College does not provide verifiable CPD hours for the Fellowship Examination, however verified CPD hours are awarded for the completion of the Preparation for Fellowship Success (PFS).
Both the written and oral sections of the exam must be completed. If you complete the written sections only, and do not present for the vivas you will receive a fail grade for the entire section of the exam i.e. you will fail the elective section of the exam.
Should a medical/personal situation arise that prevents you from undertaking a portion of the exam, please contact the RACDS immediately.
If you have failed one section and passed another, you may be given credit for the section passed. This credit is valid for three years. Candidates who have failed the exam will receive a performance report from the examiners.
