The Primary Dental Sciences Examination is open to dentists and non-dentists however the College requires all candidates to hold current Affiliate membership (or current Subscription) which is only open to dentists with current registration (in good standing).

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.

Provisional Affiliate membership
Provisional Affiliate membership is designed for individuals who are not registered dental practitioners, including undergraduate students and new graduates, who wish to enrol in the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination and Preparation Course.

Please note that Provisional Affiliates are not eligible for any other College programs, examinations, or pathways. The annual fee for Provisional Affiliate membership is equivalent to the Affiliate membership fee. To apply for Provisional Affiliate membership, click here.

Please note that if a candidate passes the PDS Examination as a Provisional Affiliate, they will only be eligible to apply for Admission to Membership in Primary Dental Sciences (MRACDS(PDS)) once they can provide evidence of being granted General Registration as a dentist.

     

    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:

    1. Check your eligibility to ensure you meet the requirements to sit for the Primary Dental Sciences Examination.
    2. Apply for Affiliate membership – required for enrolment.
    3. Enrol via the button above when enrolments are open.

    Your Affiliate membership must remain active throughout the examination process.

    Please note that the GDP Handbook has recently been updated to reflect changes to how the passing standard is determined for the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) written and viva voce examinations. Instead of a set pass rate, the PDS examinations will now employ a variable pass rate via widely used formal standard-setting method. This update improves the validity and fairness of the PDS examination by accounting for variations in examination difficulty.  

    If you have any questions, please refer to the GDP Handbook or email [email protected].

    Please refer to the College Fees webpage for Primary Dental Sciences Examination fees.

    For enquiries please contact [email protected].

    What is the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination?

    The Primary Dental Sciences Examination is a rigorous assessment of a candidate’s knowledge of the fundamental principles of the basic health sciences as they relate to dentistry. The examination is held annually in June/July. Exemptions from the examination may be granted for candidates with appropriate qualifications. The examination is also open to non-dentists.

    Click here to learn more about the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Exemption Pathway.

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    Why should I sit the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination?

    Successful completion of the PDS Examination enables you to:

    • Enhance your patient care
    • Sharpen your decision-making and reduce clinical risk
    • Help you stand out in a competitive job market
    • Prepare you for postgraduate specialist training
    • Connect you with a community of like-minded professionals
    • Enable you to apply for Membership in Primary Dental Sciences and use the post-nominal MRACDS(PDS)

    Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination Format

    The Primary Dental Sciences Examination assesses theoretical knowledge in the six (6) basic science subjects that are the foundation of sound clinical dental practice.

    The six subjects assessed in the Primary Dental Sciences Examination are:

    • Physiology
    • Anatomy
    • Cell Biology and Biochemistry
    • Histology
    • Microbiology
    • Pathology

    The Primary Dental Sciences Examination consists of two parts

    • Six (6) two-hour written papers with two subjects scheduled per day

    • Six (6) viva voce examinations of ten (10) minutes in duration

    Further details are provided upon enrolment and are available in the GDP Handbook.

    Examination Recognition

    The F.G. Christensen Memorial Prize is awarded to the candidate who passes all six subjects and achieves the highest overall aggregate mark in the Primary Dental Sciences Examination. The prize consists of a Medal and a monetary award of AU$500. Awardees are featured in the RACDS Yearbook and College News Magazine. There is also an opportunity to attend The Fine Edge of Dentistry Opening Ceremony to be presented the Medal by the RACDS President.

    Preparation for the Primary Dental Sciences Examination

    The College offers a preparation course for candidates enrolled or planning to sit the Primary Dental Sciences Examination.

    The preparation course covers all six (6) science subjects assessed in the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, with lectures and resource materials provided by Primary Dental Sciences Examination examiners to set you up for success in passing the examination.

    Candidates who attend the preparation course will be awarded CPD hours upon completion. Registrations for the 2026 Preparation Course are now closed. Interested in 2027? Register your details below.

    Submit 2027 EOI

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    Exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination

    Candidates who have completed a university higher degree in research or a degree leading to a specialist qualification in the health sciences which is no less than two (2) years full-time study or its equivalent may be eligible for an exemption from the examination.

    If you are granted an exemption from the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, you must pass the Fellowship Examination (GDP) to be awarded FRACDS(GDP). You are not eligible to apply for Membership in Primary Dental Sciences.

    Read more about the Primary Dental Sciences Examination Exemption here.

    Admission and Approval Process to Membership (PDS)

    Candidates who have met the criteria for Membership 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.

    Membership is not granted automatically after the completion of the Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination, you must apply. There are no restrictions on how long ago you passed the Primary Dental Sciences Examination to be eligible to apply for MRACDS(PDS). However, you must meet the eligibility criteria.

    The College will notify individuals who are eligible to apply for admission to Membership 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 Member.

    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.

    Apply for Admission to Membership

    Primary Dental Sciences (PDS) Examination FAQs

    Each university has distinct requirements and prerequisites for specialist training. However, at many Australian universities the successful completion of the PDS Examination is highly desirable for entry into specialist training. It is a valuable investment of your time as it imparts critical knowledge in the sciences related to dentistry, ultimately enhancing your expertise and helping you become a more proficient practitioner.

    Yes, some candidates work full-time while preparing for the PDS Examination, but it’s a personal decision. Consider taking leave from work to sit the examination.

    Admission to Membership is not granted automatically, successful candidates must apply via the Admission to Membership/Fellowship application form to be admitted. The payment of an ongoing Annual Fee is required to maintain access to member benefits including the display of your Testamur and designated post-nominal MRACDS(PDS).

    Yes, candidates who do not have subject credits from the previous attempt are required to present for all six (6) subjects at the examination.

    We recommend reviewing the exam curriculum in the Membership and Fellowship in General Dental Practice Handbook and referring to the provided suggested reading list to ensure you understand the requirements of the examination. As an Affiliate member you receive access to ClinicalKey, an online portal for journals, articles, and resources. This can be accessed via your membership dashboard.

    When you enrol in the Primary Dental Sciences Examination, you’ll also get:

    • Access to past papers
    • Candidate Advisors
    • Private Facebook group

    Each year, you can enrol in an optional PDS Preparation Course. This course is tailored to help you build your knowledge on the six (6) basic science subjects assessed in the PDS Examination and prepare you for the exam.

    Yes, Candidate Advisors are available in each region to assist candidates with general study direction, exam preparation, groups and tutorials – Find your Candidate Advisor here.

    The College does not provide verifiable CPD hours for the PDS Examination. However, verified CPD hours are awarded for the completion of the PDS Preparation Course. Should you wish to claim CPD hours for your preparation for the examination, you can do so at your own discretion.

    The examinations are delivered entirely online and can be sat from the candidate’s home or other preferred location.

    Candidates must have a laptop or PC that meets the system requirements outlined in the ExamSoft minimum system requirements and a working microphone and camera.

    The written paper and viva voce will be conducted remotely via computer-based examination software. Examinations are recorded as per the RACDS Recording of Examinations Policy, and candidates must consent to recording upon enrolment. By enrolling for this examination, you acknowledge and accept the ExamSoft Privacy Policy for the recording of the written paper.

    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 viva voces, you will receive a fail grade for that subject. Should a medical/personal situation arise that prevents you from undertaking a portion of the exam, please Contact Us immediately.

    Candidates who have failed the exam will receive a performance report from the examiners. If you have failed 1-2 subjects only, you may be given credit for the subjects you passed. This credit is valid for three years.

    No, candidates receive only a pass or fail outcome. However, exceptional candidates may be eligible for awards such as the F.G. Christensen Memorial Prize, subject prizes, or commendation letters (including commendation with distinction).