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Racds Handbook
Racds Handbook
Incorporated
HANDBOOK
EDUCATION AND EXAMINATION
FOR MEMBERSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP
IN GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE
AND SPECIALIST DENTAL PRACTICE
SEPTEMBER 2013
DRAFT Document Version 002
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 2 of 141
Contents
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................. 6
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Enrolment ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
Registration ................................................................................................................................................... 8
Pathways to Membership and Fellowship in General Dental Practice ......................................................... 9
Membership in General Dental Practice ..................................................................................................... 10
Fellowship in General Dental Practice ......................................................................................................... 11
Primary Examination ................................................................................................................................... 11
Final Examination ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Readmission to Examinations ...................................................................................................................... 12
Pathways to Membership and Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice ..................................................... 13
Membership in Specialist Dental Practice ................................................................................................... 13
Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice ...................................................................................................... 14
Post-Nominals ............................................................................................................................................. 14
SECTION 2 GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE ................................................................................... 16
Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General Dental Practice
(MRACDS(GDP)) ........................................................................................................................................... 16
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Registration ............................................................................................................................................. 17
Application for Assessment ..................................................................................................................... 18
Areas of Study/Modules .......................................................................................................................... 18
Course Requirements .............................................................................................................................. 19
Assessment .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Qualification and Admission .................................................................................................................... 20
MRACDS Benefits and Obligations .......................................................................................................... 20
Program Guide ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General Dental Practice
(FRACDS(GDP)) ............................................................................................................................................ 33
Primary Examination for Fellowship in General Dental Practice ............................................................. 33
Final Examination for Fellowship in General Dental Practice.................................................................. 33
Guidelines for candidates for the Primary Examination ......................................................................... 34
Guide to Study for the subjects of the Primary Examination .................................................................. 37
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Histology .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Physiology ................................................................................................................................................ 41
Cell Biology & Biochemistry ..................................................................................................................... 43
Pathology ................................................................................................................................................. 45
Microbiology ............................................................................................................................................ 47
Guidelines - Final Examination for Fellowship in General Dental Practice ................................................. 49
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 49
Resources................................................................................................................................................. 49
Guide to Study for the Final Exam ........................................................................................................... 50
The Examination Process ......................................................................................................................... 53
Elective Sections: Case Presentations ..................................................................................................... 53
Viva Voce Examinations ........................................................................................................................... 54
Assessment .............................................................................................................................................. 54
Summary .................................................................................................................................................. 54
SECTION 3 SPECIALIST DENTAL PRACTICE ............................................................................... 56
Membership and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in Specialist Dental
Practice disciplines ...................................................................................................................................... 56
General Information ................................................................................................................................ 56
Endodontics ............................................................................................................................................. 65
Oral Medicine .......................................................................................................................................... 67
Orthodontics ............................................................................................................................................ 69
Paediatric Dentistry ................................................................................................................................. 71
Prosthodontics ......................................................................................................................................... 73
Special Needs Dentistry ........................................................................................................................... 75
Periodontics ............................................................................................................................................. 77
Dental Public Health ................................................................................................................................ 82
Fellowship Examination Specialist Dental Practice .................................................................................. 83
Guidelines for Preparation of Portfolio Reports for the RACDS Specialist Dental Practice Fellowship
Examination in Dental Public Health ....................................................................................................... 85
Guidelines for Preparation of Case Reports for RACDS Specialist Dental Practice Examinations ........... 86
SECTION 4 POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 87
Complaints in Relation to Examinations and Assessments ......................................................................... 87
Exam Observers ........................................................................................................................................... 88
Refunds ........................................................................................................................................................ 90
Plagiarism .................................................................................................................................................... 92
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 4 of 141
SECTION 5 FORMS ............................................................................................................................... 94
GEN01 Enrolment Application ................................................................................................................ 95
GEN02 Re-Enrolment Application .......................................................................................................... 98
GEN03 Method of Payment .................................................................................................................. 101
GEN04 Admission to Membership ....................................................................................................... 102
GEN05 Admission to Fellowship ........................................................................................................... 105
MGDP01 Membership Program General Dental Practice (MRACDS(GDP)) Registration ..................... 108
MGDP02 2013 MRACDS (GDP) Assessment Application ...................................................................... 110
MGDP03 Viva Voce Examination MRACDS (GDP) Registration for Examination .............................. 111
FGDP20 Orientation Course (30 June - 11 July 2014) ........................................................................... 112
FGDP21 - 2013 Orientation Course Notes (USB Only) order form ........................................................ 113
FGDP22 Primary Examination All Centres except Hong Kong, Jordan & Malaysia .............................. 114
FGDP23 Primary Examination - Hong Kong, Malaysia Only ................................................................. 116
FGDP24 Exemption Application ............................................................................................................ 118
FGDP25 Final Exam Workshop Registration (14 & 15 June 2014) ........................................................ 120
FGDP26 Final Examination - Web Based Education Registration ......................................................... 121
FGDP27 - Final Fellowship Examination General Dental Practice 21 January 2015 ............................. 122
MSDP01 Application for Eligibility - Membership in Specialist Dental Practice discipline ................... 124
MSDP02 Application for Assessment of Eligibility to sit Membership Examination in a Specialist Dental
Practice .................................................................................................................................................. 126
MSDP03 Application for Eligibility and Registration for a Conjoint Membership Examination in a
Specialist Dental Practice ...................................................................................................................... 128
MSDP04 Registration for Membership Examination in a Specialist Dental Practice ........................... 130
MSDP05 Statement of verification of case reports .............................................................................. 131
FSDP21 Assessment of Eligibility for Fellowship Examination in a Specialist Discipline ...................... 132
FSDP22 Registration for Fellowship Examination Specialist Dental Practice .................................... 133
FOMS01 Exemption Application Form OMS SST Examination .......................................................... 134
FOMS02 Registration for Surgical Sciences and Training (SST) Examination ....................................... 136
FOMS03 Final Examination Registration .............................................................................................. 137
SECTION 6 SCALE OF FEES 2014 ................................................................................................. 138
General Information .................................................................................................................................. 138
Candidates for Membership - General Dental Practice (GDP) .................................................................. 138
Candidates for Membership in Specialist Dental Practice (SDP) ............................................................... 139
Candidates for Fellowship ......................................................................................................................... 141
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 5 of 141
Information contained in this Handbook is based upon the Regulations and their Appendix that lead to
Membership and Fellowship in General and Specialist, Dental Practice.
The relationship of the appendices to the regulations is shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1.
FOR INFORMATION ON: REFER TO DOCUMENT TITLED:
Membership in General Dental Practice
[MRACDS]
Appendix to the Regulations leading to Membership and
Fellowship in General and Specialist Dental Practice for
MRACDS General Dental Practice
Fellowship in the General Dental Practice
[FRACDS]
Appendix to the Regulations leading to Membership and
Fellowship in General and Specialist Dental Practice for
FRACDS General Dental Practice
Membership in the Specialist Dental
Practice [MRACDS(XXX)]
and
Fellowship in the Specialist Dental
Practice [FRACDS(XXX)]
Appendix to the Regulations leading to Membership and
Fellowship in General and Special Dental Practice XXX
NOTE 1: XXX represents the relevant Specialist Dental
Practice discipline. There are currently three such
appendices:
Dental Public Health
Periodontics
a combined appendix covering Endodontics, Oral
Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry,
Prosthodontics, Special Needs Dentistry
NOTE 2: Further information on FRACDS Oral Maxillofacial
Surgery (OMS) is available in The Handbook for Accredited
Education and Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
All documents and forms referred to in these regulations are obtainable from the College web
site (www.racds.org) or from the College office.
SECTION 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Introduction
1. The onus of responsibility for undertaking and fulfilling the requirements of these
regulations rests with the candidate.
2. In these regulations and in the appendix to these regulations, the following definitions
apply:
(a) Enrolment: the process of application to become a candidate for the award of
Membership or Fellowship of the College
(b) Registration: the process of application to sit for an examination
(c) Provisional Registration: the process of registration when approval of an
application for exemption from the primary examination is pending
(d) Admission: the process by which candidates who fulfil the requirements of the
regulations for examination are identified for election to Membership or Fellowship
(e) Election: the process by which Council grants Membership or Fellowship
(f) Post-nominal: letters placed after the name of the individual to indicate successful
election to Membership or Fellowship (refer to Part F below)
3 The qualifications awarded by examination by the Royal Australasian College of Dental
Surgeons are:
(a) Membership in General Dental Practice (refer to Part B below)
(b) Fellowship in General Dental Practice (refer to Part C below)
(c) Membership in Specialist Dental Practice (in a discipline -refer to Part D below)
(d) Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice (in a discipline refer to Part E below)
The Membership Program in General Dental Practice is a pathway to the acquisition of
further knowledge in general dentistry.
Specialist Dental Practice programs are designed for the specialist dentist who wishes to
gain Membership and eventually Fellowship in a specialist discipline of dentistry.
Membership and Fellowship is currently available in eight Specialist Dental Practice
disciplines:
Dental Public Health
Endodontics
Oral Medicine
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Orthodontics
Paediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Special Needs Dentistry
Fellowship is also available in the Specialty Practice of:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Dentists who have satisfied the requirements of these regulations may be admitted to
Membership or Fellowship as applicable.
Note: Candidates should seek advice from their relevant registering authority regarding
the status of Membership or Fellowship.
4 Fees payable are determined from time to time by College Council, at its absolute
discretion. Reference should be made to the Scale of Fees.
5 Certain fees may be refundable, as specified in the Colleges refund policy.
Enrolment
6 The following Regulations apply:
(a) Dentists wishing to register for college examinations must enrol, pay the prescribed
fee and nominate which program (General or Specialist Dental Practice) they intend
to undertake.
At the time of enrolment certified evidence must be produced from a registering
authority that they are entitled to practise dentistry.
(b) Non-dentists who wish to sit for the primary examination (see Part C below) must
enrol and pay the prescribed fee.
(c) Enrolment is valid for a maximum of six years, or until such time as the candidate
has fulfilled the requirements set out for election to Membership or Fellowship of
the College (see Part B and Part C below).
(d) All supporting documents to an application must be certified. The RACDS accepts
documents certified by any of the following:
For Australian / New Zealand Residents:
A Fellow of the College
Justice of the Peace / Commissioner for Affidavits / Commissioner for
Declarations
Staff of an Australian Overseas Diplomatic Mission
Administrative staff of the institution which originally issued the documents
Head of a Department of a Dental Hospital or Dental Facility
RACDS CEO
Judge of a Court / Master of a Court/ Magistrate
CEO of a Commonwealth Court
Registrar or Deputy Registrar of a Court / Clerk of a Court
Sherriff of the Court
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 8 of 141
Member of the Australian Defence Force rank of Officer of higher
Police Officer rank of Sergeant or higher
For Overseas Residents:
A Fellow of the College
Justice of the Peace
Staff of an Australian Overseas Diplomatic Mission
Administrative staff of the institution which originally issued the documents
Registrar / Senior Staff of an overseas Australian Education Institution (i.e.
Australian Education International or authorised Australian education
organisation)
Registration
7 The following regulations apply to registration in either the Membership or Fellowship
programs:
(a) Enrolled candidates are required to register and pay the full fee for the examination
by the date specified on the College Calendar of Examinations and Courses (the
Calendar). Registration is only valid for that examination.
(b) At the time of registration, certified evidence must be produced from a registering
authority that they are entitled to practice dentistry.
(c) The College reserves the right to change the nominated examiners and to amend
the timing and dates of examinations whenever conditions warrant. If examinations
are cancelled or postponed, the examination registration fee will be refunded in
full. The College does not take any responsibility for any other costs incurred by the
candidate.
(d) When a candidate withdraws registration for an examination, or fails to attend the
examination, the fees paid may be refunded in part as specified in the Colleges
refund policy. Applications for a refund based on compassionate or medical
grounds may be made in writing to the Chief Executive Officer.
Evidence for the failure to attend an examination on medical or compassionate
grounds should be sent to the College within seven days of the failure to attend.
8 Following admission to Membership or Fellowship, the successful candidate will be
awarded a testamur certifying the examination passed.
9 Successful candidates are entitled to use the post-nominal set out in the relevant Clause
of Section F below.
10 Candidates who are unsuccessful in any of the Membership or Fellowship examinations
will receive a report on their performance within two months of the examination.
Examination results and any feedback on the examination from examiners including a
copy of the failed candidate report will be forwarded to the relevant Board of Studies for
noting. In addition for trainees in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Training Program, a
copy of the examination report will be sent to the Director of Training.
11 Concurrent Registration
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Candidates may apply for concurrent registration in the primary and final examinations.
The Registrar may grant an application for concurrent registration for the primary and the
final examinations subject to advising the candidate that the College can in no way
recommend such a course of action and that concurrent registration is not allowed under
the conditions of the Regulations for Examination and Fellowship.
However, permission may be granted subject to the proviso that the final examination
may only be undertaken on the successful completion of the primary examination,
subject also to forfeiture of the final examination registration fee in the event of an
unsuccessful attempt at the primary examination.
The candidates attention shall also be drawn to the penalties in regard to the refund of
registration fees in the lead-up period to both examinations.
Pathways to Membership and Fellowship in General Dental Practice
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 10 of 141
Membership in General Dental Practice
12 Admission to Membership in General Dental Practice is achieved by completing the
requirements set out in the appendix to these regulations titled Appendix to Regulations
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leading to Membership and Fellowship in General and Specialist Dental Practice
MRACDS General Dental Practice.
Fellowship in General Dental Practice
13 Admission to Fellowship in General Dental Practice is achieved by a sequence of:
(a) (i) completion of, or exemption from, the Primary Examination (Clauses 13, 14),
OR
(ii) completion of MRACDS in General Dental Practice
(b) completion of the Final Examination (Clauses 16 - 21)
Primary Examination
14 Registration for the primary examination must be made by the date specified in the
calendar.
15 Exemption from the primary examination may be allowed to those candidates who:
(a) produce evidence of having passed the primary examination for Fellowship in:
The Faculty of Dental Surgery of:
the Royal College of Surgeons of England, or
the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, or
the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, or
the Faculty of Dentistry of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland,
OR
(b) produce evidence of having passed
(i) the Primary Examination for Fellowship or Membership of the Faculty of
General Dental Practitioners Part 1, or
(ii) Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties, or
(iii) Part A of the Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgeons examination
of:
the Royal College of Surgeons of England, or
the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, or
the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, or
the Faculty of Dentistry Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, or
(c) produce evidence of having passed any relevant membership examination of the
colleges nominated in (a), or
(d) produce evidence of having passed the Part I examination for Fellowship in the
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, or
(e) hold a university higher degree in research or a degree leading to a specialist
qualification in the health sciences, such a degree being of not less than two
years full time study or its equivalent, or
(f) are granted exemption by College Council at its absolute discretion, on the
holding of approved qualifications .
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 12 of 141
16 Information regarding the subject matter and conduct of the primary examination is
contained in Appendix to the Regulations leading to Membership and Fellowship in
General and Specialist Dental Practice FRACDS General Dental Practice.
Final Examination
17 Registration for the final examination must be made by the date specified in the calendar.
18 Registration for the final examination will not be accepted until the candidate has passed,
or been exempted, from the primary examination, or has been admitted to MRACDS in
General or Specialist Dental Practice.
19 At the time of registration for the final examination candidates must produce certified
evidence from a registering authority that they hold a current licence to practise dentistry
as a dentist.
20 Registration for the final examination will not be accepted until 3 years after the
candidate has obtained a dental qualification, during which time the candidate must have
completed a minimum of two years clinical experience as a dentist.
21 Provisional registration and payment of the appropriate fee for the final examination may
be accepted, provided that a candidate who does not comply with Clause 14 (exemption
from the primary examination) prior to the date of registration for the final examination
will so comply prior to the date of the final examination.
22 Information regarding the subject matter and conduct of the final examination is
contained in Appendix to the Regulations leading to Membership and Fellowship in
General and Specialist Dental Practice.
Readmission to Examinations
23 There is no limitation on the number of readmissions to examination - however, in special
circumstances following a number of fail results, a candidate will be advised of the
inadvisability of re-presenting for the examination.
Final Examination - expansion
24 Retrospective to the 2003 final examination, candidates who pass one part of the
examination and achieve a redeemable grade in the other part of the examination may
take only the failed part at the succeeding examination; their fee being set at
approximately 50% of the admission fee.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 13 of 141
Pathways to Membership and Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice
Membership in Specialist Dental Practice
25 As specified in Clause 3, Membership is offered in Specialist Dental Practice with the
exception of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
26 Admission to Membership in Specialist Dental Practice is achieved by completing the
requirements set out in the relevant appendix to these regulations titled Appendix to the
Regulations Leading to Membership and Fellowship in General Dental Practice and
Specialist Dental Practice and selecting the relevant appendix by reference to Table 1.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 14 of 141
The relevant appendices detail the requirements for eligibility, areas of study, assessment
and award of Membership in each specialist discipline.
27 The dates for application and examination are specified in the calendar.
Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice
28 As specified in Clause 3, Fellowship is offered in all Specialist Dental Practice disciplines.
29 Admission to Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice is achieved by completing the
requirements set out in the relevant appendix to the regulations identified by the
relevant appendix by reference to Table 1.
30 Standards and requirements applying to examinations in a particular Specialist Dental
Practice discipline are set out in the relevant appendix to the regulations.
31 In order to register for an examination, candidates must apply to the relevant Board of
Studies for an assessment of eligibility. Candidates assessed to be eligible will be so
informed and invited to register for the examination, as provided in Clause 30.
32 Approval of the appropriate Board of Studies for eligibility for registration for the Final
Examination for Fellowship is valid for three years.
33 Applications for registration for the final examination for Fellowship in a Specialist Dental
Practice discipline shall be:
(a) made on the prescribed form
(b) accompanied by the prescribed fee
(c) lodged with the College before the due date specified in the calendar.
34 The closing dates for application for registration and of the examination vary and will be
specified in the calendar.
Post-Nominals
35 (a) Pursuant to By-Law 3 of the College, a candidate who satisfies the requirements
of General Dental Practice of the regulations and who is elected to Membership
of the College may use the post-nominal description:
MRACDS(GDP)
(b) Pursuant to By-Law 3 of the College, a candidate who satisfies the requirements
of General Dental Practice of the regulations and who is elected to Fellowship of
the College may use the post-nominal description:
FRACDS(GDP)
36 (a) Pursuant to By-Law 3 of the College, a Fellow of the College who satisfied the
requirements of General Dental Practice of the regulations prior to 19 May 1986
and who has in addition been awarded a Diploma at an advanced level may use
the description appropriate to the Specialist Dental Practice discipline in respect
of which the Diploma was awarded, i.e.,
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 15 of 141
Endodontics FRACDS(DEndo)
Oral Surgery FRACDS(DOS)
(b) Pursuant to By-Law 3 of the College, a candidate who satisfies the requirements
for Specialist Dental Practice examination of these regulations may use the post-
nominal letters MRACDS followed by the description appropriate to the specialist
discipline, i.e.,
Dental Public Health MRACDS(DPH)
Endodontics MRACDS(Endo)
Oral Medicine MRACDS(OralMed)
Orthodontics MRACDS(Orth)
Paediatric Dentistry MRACDS(Paed)
Periodontics MRACDS(Perio)
Prosthodontics MRACDS(Pros)
Special Needs Dentistry MRACDS(SND)
(c) Pursuant to By-Law 3 of the College, a candidate who satisfies the requirements
for a Specialist Dental Practice examination in these regulations for Fellowship
may use the post-nominal letters FRACDS followed by the description appropriate
to the specialist discipline, i.e.,
Dental Public Health FRACDS(DPH)
Endodontics FRACDS(Endo)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery FRACDS(OMS)
Oral Medicine FRACDS(OralMed)
Orthodontics FRACDS(Orth)
Paediatric Dentistry FRACDS(Paed)
Periodontics FRACDS(Perio)
Prosthodontics FRACDS(Pros)
Special Needs Dentistry FRACDS(SND)
37 Attainment of Fellowship in a discipline precludes the use of the Membership post-
nominal in the same discipline.
38 A Fellow in General Dental Practice (i.e., FRACDS(GDP)), if admitted to Membership or
Fellowship in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline, may in addition use the post-nominal
relevant to the Specialist Dental Practice discipline.
39 In those cases when Membership and Fellowship are held in different disciplines, the
Membership post-nominal precedes the Fellowship post-nominal.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 16 of 141
SECTION 2 GENERAL DENTAL PRACTICE
Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General
Dental Practice (MRACDS(GDP))
Introduction
This section describes the formal requirements for the attainment of Membership of the Royal
Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General Dental Practice - MRACDS(GDP).
1. Award by the College Council of the MRACDS(GDP) follows successful completion of
appropriate postgraduate or continuing professional development (CPD) courses and related
RACDS assessment components. The MRACDS(GDP) Program is a two year structured
educational learning program for qualified General Dental Practitioners (GDPs), with the
following aims:
To enhance the knowledge and skills of GDPs
To enable GDPs to provide an ongoing high standard of patient management, diagnosis
and treatment for the benefit of the community
To support and recognise involvement in CPD courses currently available
To provide a structured approach to CPD
To provide GDPs with an opportunity to obtain a recognised postgraduate qualification
in general dental practice
To enhance alliances between the RACDS and other CPD course providers
To encourage GDPs involvement in the RACDS.
Note: The MRACDS(GDP) on its own is not a registrable qualification to practice dentistry in
Australia or New Zealand.
2. Fees payable are determined from time to time by the College Council , the amount of such
fees being at its absolute discretion and payable in respect of:
Enrolment
Registration
Application for each assessment component
Award of the MRACDS(GDP)
3. All enquiries and communications in relation to the MRACDS(GDP) Program must be
addressed to the Board of Studies for General Dental Practice care of the College office.
Definitions
4. Enrolment the process of application to become a candidate of the College.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 17 of 141
5. Registration the mechanism by which a candidate registers for the MRACDS(GDP)
Program, and makes payment for half the module assessment components of the program.
6. Appropriate Course A continuing professional development or postgraduate course
appropriate for the MRACDS(GDP) and its module requirements.
General Dental Practice Pathways to Membership and Fellowship
Registration
7. To register in the MRACDS(GDP) Program, candidates must:
Complete a registration form and submit the requisite documentation to the College
office.
Pay the prescribed fees (see 2 above).
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Application for Assessment
8. Application for each assessment component must be made at least one week before the
appropriate assessment component is conducted, in accordance with closing dates set out in
the college examination calendar.
9. Evidence of satisfactory completion of the relevant course requirements must be provided.
10. Any assessment fees not paid at the outset of the year (as part of registration) need to be paid
in full at the time of applying to present for an assessment component. The fee for
readmission to any assessment component shall be the same as for admission to that
component. Where a candidate provides written advice withdrawing an application for an
assessment component, the fee payable may be refunded in part as determined from time to
time by College Council, provided that such notice of withdrawal is received more than thirty
days before the date set for the assessment.
11. Where a candidate who, on medical or compassionate grounds, fails to appear for an
assessment component for which entry has been accepted, no more than half of the fee
payable may be refunded. The proportion of the fee to be returned may be varied at the
discretion of College Council. The evidence for medical or compassionate grounds should be
received by the College within seven days of the failure to appear.
12. Acceptance of application for an assessment component shall be at the absolute discretion
of the College Council.
Areas of Study/Modules
13. Candidates must satisfactorily complete nine modules covering the following areas of study:
Six compulsory modules
Essentials of Clinical Practice
Practice Management, Law, Ethics and Risk Management
Medical Emergencies
Infection Control
Clinical Practice
Therapeutics in Dentistry and Pain and Pain Management
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Clinical Examination Technique and Dental Imaging
Plus three of the six elective modules:
Endodontics
Periodontics
Dentoalveolar Surgery
Operative Dentistry
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Combined Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry
Combined Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Further detail on these areas of study and the respective training objectives can be found in
the Program Guide for the MRACDS(GDP) on page 19.
14. The requirements for completion of each module include:
Satisfactory completion of appropriate courses (see 6 above).
Satisfactory completion of assessment components (see 22 below).
15. Candidates must claim at least six hours of appropriate course content per module, with an
expected 12 hours appropriate course content per module. Candidates may spend increased
course time in modules to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 hours of appropriate
courses, but only up to a maximum of 18 hours appropriate course content claimed in any
one module.
Course Requirements
16. Candidates must satisfactorily complete the equivalent of a minimum of nine modules with
at least 120 hours of appropriate courses over a two year period. Under special
circumstances a candidate may apply to the Board of Studies and an extension may be given.
Some flexibility will be allowed in relation to this period, to a maximum of three years.
17. A listing of recommended courses can be found on the College website or obtained from the
College office.
18. Candidates will be allowed flexibility in relation to their choice of courses, provided the
standard and breadth of content are appropriate. It is acknowledged that courses additional
to those recommended by the College may be identified.
Assessment
19. Assessment is conducted by the College and consists of the following components:
Eight open book short answer questions for the core modules.
One case report per elective, to be submitted by no later than three months prior to the
viva voce examination for which the candidate intends to present.
A half hour face to face viva voce case presentation prior to completion of the
MRACDS(GDP) Program.
20. Each assessment component which is directly related to a module may be taken on
completion of the relevant module, as confirmed by the College.
21. The final viva voce case presentation may be taken on confirmed completion of all the other
assessment components. Candidates may make only three attempts at the viva voce
examination.
22. Guidelines for assessment will be forwarded to candidates making application for each
assessment component.
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23. Assessment will be on a pass / fail basis.
24. Results from examiners will be forwarded to candidates once available.
25. Candidates who are unsuccessful at an assessment component will receive in writing within
six weeks of completion of the assessment component, brief constructive comment on their
performance. No further correspondence will be entered into.
26. Candidates who are unsuccessful at an assessment component can apply to be reassessed,
but normally only on a maximum of two further occasions. The assessment fee is to be paid
on each occasion an assessment component is applied for.
Note: At the time of application, candidates whose assessment components do not fulfill the
requirements described in the Guidelines for the MRACDS(GDP) will not be permitted to
proceed with the assessment. The assessment fee may be carried forward to a subsequent
assessment component.
Qualification and Admission
27. In accordance with the Constitution of the College, candidates successfully completing the
course and assessment requirements of the MRACDS(GDP) Program and on payment of the
appropriate fees, may be awarded the qualification MRACDS(GDP) by the Council and
admitted to Membership of the College, and may use the post-nominal MRACDS(GDP).
28. Holders of the MRACDS(GDP) are eligible to apply to register for the final examination for
Fellowship in General Dental Practice.
MRACDS Benefits and Obligations
29. Unless otherwise exempted, MRACDS(GDP) Members of the College must pay an annual
subscription as determined by the College Council .
30. MRACDS(GDP) Members of the College may participate in college educational and social
activities and enjoy other privileges as provided in the Constitution or granted by College
Council. The rights and obligations are set out in the College Constitution.
31. All matters pertaining to the Appendix to the Regulations are at the absolute discretion of the
College Council.
Program Guide
INTRODUCTION
General Dentists are primary dental care providers with a registrable qualification. They provide oral health
care for patients in all age groups. The General Dentist is responsible for the diagnosis, management and
overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs and their ongoing maintenance.
General Dentists are well educated in all facets of oral health care. They have the ability to diagnose oral
health conditions but are not necessarily skilled at the specialist level in performing all treatment
requirements in dentistry.
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General Dentists are educated and skilled in recognising those conditions that are beyond their scope of
practice and are able to identify the correct specialist service(s) required to manage the particular
condition(s).
General Dentists undertake regular continuing professional development in order to maintain and develop
their skill levels.
This Program Guide outlines the steps necessary for eligibility to proceed to assessment for Membership of
the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General Dental Practice, and the assessment format.
The process of satisfying the requirements for MRACDS(GDP) has been designed to be flexible both in
terms of fulfilling eligibility requirements and for sitting each assessment component.
Example of time-line for completion:
Completion in two years Completion in three years
Year 1
Jan/Feb Induction day Jan/Feb Induction day
May/June 1x SAQ assessment May/June 1x SAQ assessment
Aug/Sept 2x SAQ assessment Aug/Sept 1x SAQ assessment
Throughout year Case report preparation Throughout year Case report preparation
Year 2
Jan/Feb 2x SAQ assessment Jan/Feb 1x SAQ assessment
May/June 1x SAQ assessment May/June 1x SAQ assessment
August Ensure all case reports
have been submitted
Throughout year Case report preparation
November Viva voce Aug/Sept 1x SAQ assessment
Year 3
Jan/Feb 1x SAQ assessment
March Ensure all case reports
have been submitted
June Viva voce
NB. Case reports can be submitted at any time throughout the program, with the proviso that they must be submitted at least three months prior
to the viva voce examination.
SAQ Short Answer Question
ASSESSMENT COMPONENTS
Assessment of the MRACDS(GDP) evaluates knowledge of and skills in, general dentistry necessary to
provide a high level of dental service for the community.
Short answer questions and viva voce examinations are held on specified dates which are advertised on the
College website. It is recommended that as a minimum, candidates should aim to complete three short
answer question modules in the first year, three in the second year, with the case reports being submitted
at any stage during the program. The last case report must be submitted at least three months prior to the
intended viva voce examination. The viva voce examination can be undertaken after all other assessments
have been successfully completed.
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Short Answer Questions
The six compulsory core modules are assessed by open book, short answer questions (SAQ). The aim of
this assessment is to enable candidates to demonstrate their understanding of general practice dentistry.
Undertaking continual professional development assists candidates in this assessment component.
This assessment is conducted during one weekend in an assessment round with one SAQ module per
weekend permitted during each assessment round. Candidates are invited to nominate the SAQ module/s
to be undertaken prior to the assessment round. Candidates are then emailed the eight SAQs for the
module by 5.00pm on the Friday and responses must be submitted within 48 hours, but no later than
5.00pm on the Sunday. Failure to submit without showing cause by this time constitutes a failure of the
module. Additional information is provided in the MRACDS Short Answer Questions: Notes for Candidates.
To obtain a pass, candidates must pass all eight questions. Candidates who do not pass up to two
questions in a module will be given the opportunity to resubmit answers to those questions. Failure of the
resubmission results in failure of the module. If three or more questions are not passed, the candidate fails
the module. A candidate who fails a module must pay a repeat module fee on reattempting that module. A
candidate who does not pass will receive written feedback. All failures are reviewed by the Examinations
Committee.
Case Reports
Case reports for three out of the six elective modules (one case reports per module) may be submitted at
any time over the course of the program but the last date for submission is three months prior to
presenting for the viva voce examination. Each case report must cover the candidates own treatment of
cases representing the broad range of issues covered in the chosen electives. Candidates must select three
different elective modules.
The case reports are presented in a written format and are structured to enable the candidate to
demonstrate their understanding of their chosen electives and clinical relevance using valid scientific and
clinical evidence.
The aim of this assessment component is to enable candidates to present their own clinical work and also
to reflect on the treatment provided. It enables discussion of possible alternatives, modifications of
treatment or issues raised during treatment. Candidates must submit details of examinations, diagnosis and
treatment plans, options for treatment and the eventual treatment provided and final outcomes. A
discussion and critical analysis of rationale for treatment and overall outcome for the patient must be
provided. Candidates should submit before and after images (photographs/radiographs) to support their
case reports. The case reports should cover a range of topics. The reports should be of high quality, in that
they must conform to appropriate layout and format as detailed in the MRACDS(GDP) Case Reports: Notes
for Candidates. Expression, language and terminology used should be clear and precise and of a
professional standard. A proficient level of English is expected when presenting assessments.
Case reports are marked on a pass/fail basis, however in some instances for minor corrections, a
resubmission may be allowed. A candidate who does not pass will receive written feedback. A candidate
who fails a case report must pay a repeat assessment fee on submission of a new case report.
All failures are reviewed by the Examinations Committee.
Viva Voce Examination
Once candidates have passed all core and elective modules they are eligible to present for the viva voce
examination. The aim of the viva voce examination is to enable candidates to demonstrate their
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understanding of a case or cases describing a clinical scenario. The candidate is expected to discuss various
aspects of the case with the examiners.
The viva voce is held on three occasions each year or as determined by the Board. The viva voce
examination will be of 30 minutes duration and comprises:
a) A five minute perusal of the case.
b) Assessment and discussion of the case.
c) Assessment of the candidates knowledge in clinical dentistry.
If a second case is used, candidates will be provided with additional perusal time.
The viva voce examination will be conducted by two examiners nominated by the Board of Studies for
General Dental Practice Candidates should note that if fewer than three candidates have registered to
present for the viva voce examination, it may be cancelled and registration fees refunded. Viva voce
examinations are marked on a pass/fail basis. A candidate who does not pass will receive written feedback.
A candidate who fails a viva voce examination must pay a repeat assessment fee on submission of a new
case report.
All failures are reviewed by the Examinations Committee.
Failure to attend the viva voce examination without showing cause constitutes a failure.
Candidates commencing the program from 2014 are permitted a maximum of three attempts at the viva
voce examination.
AREAS OF STUDY/MODULES
Relevant continuing professional development (CPD) courses may be completed at any time over the
course of the program. Although candidates must demonstrate completion of 120 hours minimum
continuing Professional Development, it is at the discretion of the candidate to match relevant courses to
module completion.
Candidates should aim to complete at least 6 hours of appropriate course content per module, with ideally
12 hours of appropriate course content per module. Candidates may spend increased course time in
modules to ensure completion of a minimum of 120 hours of appropriate courses, but only up to a
maximum of 18 hours appropriate course content claimed in any one module.
The following is an outline of the areas of study in the nine modules to be satisfactorily completed in the
MRACDS(GDP) Program. This outline serves as a guide to the range of subjects which might be covered in
the related appropriate courses and associated reading.
READING LIST
A topic related web-based reading list is available to candidates to supplement the required educational
activities and to assist in preparation for assessment. This can be found on the College website.
COMPULSORY MODULES
The following six modules are compulsory:
Practice Management, Law, Ethics and Risk Management
Medical Emergencies
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Infection Control
Therapeutics in Dentistry, Pain and Pain Management
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Clinical Examination Technique and Dental Imaging
Practice Management, Law, Ethics and Risk Management
Training Objectives
On completion of the Practice Management, Law, Ethics and Risk Management module of the
MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be able to:
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the laws and legal and clinical aspects applicable to general
dental practice. This will include an understanding of the Dental Practice Act, Privacy Compliance
requirements and Infection Control Guidelines.
Ensure maintenance and audit of up to date clinical and accounting records.
Demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices in dentistry.
Apply ethical principles to professional dental practice.
Apply the principles of jurisprudence to the practice of dentistry.
Prevent avoidable harm to patients and reduce risk in their dental practices.
Demonstrate an understanding of medical indemnity issues.
Demonstrate a sound working knowledge of patient management, case selection and assessment
and informed consent.
Demonstrate an understanding of aspects of private versus public practice.
Ensure maintenance of up to date patient records.
Demonstrate an understanding of the legal and professional obligations and reality of
managing/owning a dental practice.
Establish a practice, employ staff, and ensure appropriate design is in place.
Demonstrate an understanding of the legal, financial and administrative requirements and systems
associated with practice management.
Use professional debt and financial planning skills.
Demonstrate an understanding of general human resource and management issues.
Demonstrate an understanding of operations/systems management in a dental practice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the benefits of personal development.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Legal issues and jurisprudence
The Dental Practice Act
Records management - clinical and accounting
Computerisation and auditing
History taking
Privacy Laws
Infection Control
Risk Management
Pretreatment assessments
Case Selection: patient and dentist criteria
Informed consent
Private vs Public practice
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Purchase and Disposal of a Practice
Valuations
Legal obligations
Choice of location
Squatting vs existing practice
Employee Dentists
Methods of employment
Service contracts, Australian Work Agreements
Legal structures
Service companies
Remuneration
Responsibilities
Surgery design
Ergonomics
IT
Cabinetry
Surfaces
Sterile vs non sterile areas
Equipment selection
Maintenance
Disposable vs single use
Stock control
Human Resources
Hiring and firing
Choosing and managing a team
Employment awards
Contracts
Remuneration
Duties
Reviewing performance
Employer and employee responsibilities
Practice manuals
Induction of new staff
Business of dentistry
Accountancy
Practice structures: trusts, service
companies
Regulatory requirements
Taxation: personal, P/L, PAYG, FBT, GST,
CGT
Managing BAS
Superannuation staff
Superannuation personal, self-managed
funds
Investing
Productivity
Marketing internal and external
Appointment management
Case presentation and educating patients
Treatment planning and organisation
Managing patient financial agreements
Third party insurers
Personal development
Health and well being
Work-Life balance
Measuring success
Planning for the future
Patients
Environs: waiting room, bathroom
Surgery design
Reception and welcome: communication
techniques, phone skills, scripted
dialogue
New patient contact
Relationship building
The anxious patient
The difficult patient
Recalls
Cancellations
No shows
Complaints
Referring patients,
Follow ups
Informed consent
New patient information and
confidentiality
Maintaining records
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Medical Emergencies
Training Objectives
On completion of the Medical Emergencies module of the MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be
able to:
Respond rapidly in an emergency and apply systematic principles of emergency management.
Demonstrate an understanding of the basic sciences relevant to medical emergencies in general
dentistry.
Demonstrate an understanding of the contents of emergency drug kits for dental practice
surgeries.
Ensure staff are trained in the management of medical emergencies.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Basic sciences
Anatomy
Physiology
Pathology
Pharmacology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Common medical emergencies
Vaso-vagal Syncope
Hypoglycaemia
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
Angina and Acute Myocardial Infarct (AMI)
Anaphylaxis
Adrenal Suppression
Advanced CPR
Airway management
Foreign bodies
Cardiac massage
Monitoring techniques eg pulse
Staff Training in medical emergencies
Induction and ongoing
Manuals
Emergency drug kits
Basic pharmacological agents
Administration
Sublingual
Oral
Inhalation
Subcutaneous
Intramuscular
Intravenous
Infection Control
Training Objectives
On completion of the Infection Control module of the MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be able
to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the regulatory and clinical aspects of infection control issues
applicable to the practice of dentistry.
Develop infection control working protocols.
Ensure surgery design, in particular in relation to OH&S and sterilisation, is of a high standard and
in keeping with requirements.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of sterilisation.
Demonstrate an understanding of occupational health and safety issues.
Remain up to date in relation to infection control requirement developments.
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Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Surgery Design
Ergonomics
Surfaces
Sterilisation areas
Equipment selection and maintenance
Single use vs disposable
Principles of Sterilisation
Microbiology-general and dental
Sterilisation procedures
Aseptic/antiseptic techniques
Private vs public dentistry
Surgical vs conservative dentistry
Cross infection control
Instrument tracking
Occupational Health & Safety
Staff training
Practice manuals
Identifying key personnel
Regulatory requirements
Therapeutics in Dentistry, Pain and Pain Management
Training Objectives
On completion of the Therapeutics in Dentistry, Pain and Pain Management module of the MRACDS(GDP)
program, candidates should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of a range of medications and other therapeutic treatments,
including antimicrobials, antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-fungals, herbal and non-prescribed
medications, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, anaesthetics, fluoride, mouthwashes and bleaching.
Demonstrate the capacity to assess the actions, side effects and interactions of various medications
and therapeutic treatments.
Perform a patient assessment and formulate a plan which reduces the risk of an emergency
occurring during patient care.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the use of local anesthesia.
Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific basis of pain and pain control in clinical hygiene
practice.
Safely practise pain control techniques.
Ensure staff are trained in the use of pain management techniques as appropriate to their
positions.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Actions, side effects and interactions of medications
Antimicrobials, antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-fungals
Herbal and non prescribed medications
Anti-inflammatories
Analgesics
Anaesthetics
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Fluoride
Other mechanisms of caries control
Mouthwashes
Bleaching etc
Clinical presentation
Differential diagnosis
Scientific basis of pain, including
Biochemistry
Physiology
Neuroanatomy
Neurophysiology
Histopathology
Training of Staff
from reception to operatory
Diagnosis and Management, including
- Pain of systemic origin
- Orofacial pain
Anaesthesia
Local
Sedation
General
Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Training Objectives
On completion of the Diagnosis and Treatment Planning module of the MRACDS(GDP) program,
candidates should be able to demonstrate:
An understanding of the philosophy of total oral health care for each patient and the interactions of
the GDP with specialists in overall treatment plan for the individual.
The capacity to communicate about clinical cases with other health professionals/providers.
The capacity to communicate with the patient about their oral health status, treatment options and
potential outcomes.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Peer group contact
Diagnostic techniques
Occlusion
Treatment planning
Treatment outcomes
Risk management
Clinical Examination Technique and Dental Imaging
Training Objectives
On completion of the Clinical Examination Technique and Dental Imaging module of the MRACDS(GDP)
program, candidates should be able to demonstrate:
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The ability to conduct a comprehensive patient interview and conduct comprehensive clinical
examination, accurately record history and clinical findings, and differentially diagnose the most
common oral diseases.
An understanding of radiology and photography techniques and technologies.
Knowledge in the differential diagnosis of periapical and bitewing radiographs, orthopantographs,
lateral skull and cephalogram images, TMJ views, CT scans and Tomograms.
The ability to recording and utilize clinical and intraoral photographs
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus the professional development on the following areas:
Patient interview, history clinical examination
Evaluation of clinical findings
Differential diagnosis of common oral diseases.
Radiology and photography techniques and technologies.
Differential diagnosis of periapical and bitewing radiographs, orthopantographs, lateral skull and
cephalogram images, TMJ views, CT scans and Tomograms.
Recording and utilising clinical and intraoral photography
ELECTIVE MODULES
Three of the following six electives are to be completed:
Operative Dentistry
Dentoalveolar Surgery
Endodontics
Periodontics
Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry
Operative Dentistry
Training Objectives
On completion of the Conservative Restorative Dentistry module of the MRACDS(GDP) program,
candidates should be able to:
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles and current issues applicable to
Conservative Restorative Dentistry.
Demonstrate an understanding of patient assessment, treatment planning, treatment procedures
and transitional treatment planning concepts in Conservative Restorative Dentistry.
Plan and provide clinical services applicable to Conservative Restorative Dentistry in a general
dental practice.
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Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Materials material science assessment and selection
Case and Materials Selection
Minimum Intervention
Bonding- apex to crown
Direct and indirect techniques
Dentoalveolar Surgery
Training Objectives
On completion of the Dentoalveolar Surgery module of the MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be
able to:
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles and current issues applicable to
Dentoalveolar Surgery in particular anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pharmacology.
Demonstrate an understanding of patient assessment, treatment planning, treatment procedures
and transitional treatment planning concepts in Dentoalveolar Surgery.
Plan and provide clinical services applicable to Dentoalveolar Surgery in a general dental practice.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Applied Science anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology
Diagnosis
Management
Procedural Treatment
Endodontics
Training Objectives
On completion of the Endodontics module of the MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be able to:
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles and current issues applicable to Endodontics,
in particular anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology and neuroanatomy.
Demonstrate an understanding of patient assessment, treatment planning, treatment procedures
and transitional treatment planning concepts in Endodontics.
Plan and provide clinical services applicable to Endodontics in a general dental practice.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Applied Science anatomy, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, neuroanatomy
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Indications
Diagnostic techniques
Treatment techniques
Periodontics
Training Objectives
On completion of the Periodontics module of the MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be able to:
Demonstrate a sound understanding of the principles and current issues applicable to Periodontics,
in particular pathology, microbiology, pharmacology and immunology.
Demonstrate an understanding of patient assessment, treatment planning, treatment procedures
and transitional treatment planning concepts in Periodontics.
Plan and provide clinical services applicable to Periodontics in a general dental practice.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Applied Science pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, immunology
Criteria for case selection
Therapy
Interdisciplinary management
Maintenance and outcome measurement
Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
Training Objectives
On completion of the Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics module of the MRACDS(GDP) program,
candidates should be able to demonstrate:
An understanding of history taking, clinical examination, treatment planning, obtaining informed
consent and communication with patient and parent/carer for the paediatric dental patient
The ability to provide preventive treatment and caries management, interceptive treatment,
restorative treatments, pulp treatment in the primary dentition, pulp treatment in the immature
permanent dentition
An understanding and knowledge of dental trauma in paediatric patients and management of
injuries in the developing dentition
Knowledge of behaviour management, pain and anxiety control including techniques in local
anaesthesia, general anaesthesia and sedation
The ability to undertake an orthodontic assessment including radiographs, study models, and an
understanding of the growth and development of the child, stages of dental development, occlusal
development and principles of dento-facial anomalies
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Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
History taking, clinical examination, treatment planning, obtaining informed consent,
communication with patient and parent/carer for the pediatric dental patient
Preventive treatment and caries management
Interceptive treatment, restorative treatments, pulp treatment in the primary dentition
Pulp treatment in the immature permanent dentition
Dental trauma and management of injuries in the developing dentition
Behaviour management
Pain and anxiety control
Local anesthesia, general anesthesia and sedation
Orthodontic assessment
Growth and development of the child
Interceptive orthodontics, space maintainers
Removable appliances and conditions requiring referral
Stages of dental development, occlusal development
Principles of dento-facial anomalies
Paediatric Radiography
Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry
Training Objectives
On completion of the Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry module of the
MRACDS(GDP) program, candidates should be able to demonstrate:
An understanding of how to conduct a pre-clinical assessment including issues of advocacy, access
and consent, and the importance of communicating effectively with carers, GPs and other allied
health providers.
How to conduct a thorough history for the OM/OP/SND patient, how to conduct an examination for
the OM/OP/SND patient and understand the medical special tests and investigations relevant to
the OM/OP/SND patient.
An understanding of OM/OP/SND treatment pathways including treatment phases and specialist
referral, and demonstrate competency in the management of common oral medicine and common
oral pathology problems.
Areas of Professional Development
Candidates should focus their professional development on the following areas:
Assessment, advocacy, access and consent
Communication with carers, GPs and other allied health providers
History and Examination for the OM/OP/SND patient
Special medical tests and investigations relevant to the OM/OP/SND patient
Treatment pathways
Management of common oral medicine and common oral pathology problems
Specialist referral
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Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons in General Dental
Practice (FRACDS(GDP))
Primary Examination for Fellowship in General Dental Practice
1 The subjects of the examination are:
Anatomy
Histology
Physiology
Cell biology & biochemistry
Pathology
Microbiology
Candidates should also be familiar with
Standard statistical methods
Pharmacology
Note: while not examined as a separate subject, pharmacology is relevant across all
disciplines and may be examined. Three hours of lectures on Pharmacology are included in
the Orientation Course and notes.
2. There will be a written and a viva voce examination in each subject.
3. Candidates are required to pass all subjects at the same examination.
4. Candidates who pass at least four subjects may be given credit for the subjects satisfactorily
completed. This credit is valid for a maximum period of three years, following which the
candidate will be required to present for all six subjects.
Final Examination for Fellowship in General Dental Practice
5. The examination consists of two parts:
(a) Part I: an examination in general dentistry
(b) Part II: an examination in one of the following three sections as selected by the
candidate:
(i) Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology
(ii) Restorative Dentistry and Periodontics
(iii) Paediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics
6. There will be written, viva voce and clinically orientated examinations. Candidates will not
be required to carry out clinical treatment.
7. Candidates are required to pass both Part I and Part II at the same examination.
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8. Candidates who pass in one Part and fail the other Part may be given credit for the Part that
was satisfactorily completed. This credit is valid for a maximum period of three years,
following which the candidate will be required to present for both Parts.
Guidelines for candidates for the Primary Examination
Introduction
1.1 These guidelines are intended to assist candidates in their preparation for the Primary
Examination.
1.2 The Primary Examination assesses theoretical knowledge in six basic science subjects from a
clinical dental perspective. The subjects of examination are:
Anatomy
Cell biology and biochemistry
Histology
Microbiology
Pathology
Physiology
1.3 Relevant pharmacology and haematology content is included across subjects.
1.4 The focus is on the candidates ability to effectively communicate knowledge in written papers and
viva voce examinations.
Resources
The College provides a number of resources for the assistance of candidates:
2.1 Orientation Course
This two-week course comprises approximately 60 hours of lectures in the six basic sciences,
with additional lectures in haematology and pharmacology.
2.2 Guide to Study for subjects of the Primary Examination
The Guide to Study provides guidance on suggested areas of study for each discipline and is
available on the College website www.racds.org and can be found on page 37.
2.3 Reading list
A comprehensive reading list is updated annually and is available on the website.
2.4 Regional advisors
Regional advisors are College Fellows and Members who can be contacted by candidates for
guidance and support. In some locations, primary examination preparation courses are offered
by the College Regional Committee.
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The Examination Process
Written papers
3.1 The objective of questions is to assess the candidates knowledge and understanding in a fair and
impartial manner.
3.2 The written papers are of two hours duration and conducted over three days. Individual subject
papers may comprise one or more questions, from which there may be optional and/or compulsory
sections.
Viva voce Examinations
3.3 Viva voce examinations of ten minutes duration are conducted in each of the six subjects.
3.4 Examinations are conducted by one college appointed examiner, with an observer present.
3.5 Viva voce examinations may be used to supplement information obtained in the written section of
the examination.
Assessment
4.1 The marks awarded to each candidate are presented at the examiners meeting which is held
at the conclusion of the examination process. The examiners meeting is attended by examiners
and college staff, and is chaired by the General Dental Practice Registrar. The final result is
authorized by the Registrar.
4.2 A candidate who is unsuccessful in three or more subjects will be required to re-present for all
six subjects at any subsequent attempt at the examination.
4.3 A candidate who is successful in a minimum of four subjects will be granted a partial pass for
the Primary Examination. The candidate may represent at a later examination for the one or
two subjects which they have failed. Candidates must present for the full examination (that is
all six subjects) if a full pass has not been achieved within three years of the partial pass.
Results
5.1 Candidates are advised of a pass or fail grade only in each subject. However:
Candidates who achieve over 70% in a minimum of four subjects will receive a Letter
of Commendation.
The candidate who achieves the highest mark in each subject will receive a
congratulatory letter.
The candidate who passes all six subjects and achieves the highest overall aggregate
mark will be awarded the F.G. Christensen Memorial Prize.
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5.2 The result of the examination is mailed in hard copy to candidates on the date advised prior to
the examination. The results are also uploaded onto the College website, listed by candidate
number only.
5.3 A candidate who is unsuccessful in any subject will receive written feedback from the Registrar
within six weeks following all examiner meetings.
Primary Examination Subject Prizes
The Council makes an award for subject prizes for the Primary Examination as follows:
to award a certificate to the candidate or candidates who gains the highest mark in each subject of the
Primary Examination provided that, (a) the candidate is considered by examiners to be of sufficient merit;
and (b) the candidate passes the Primary Examination at the first presentation.
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Guide to Study for the subjects of the Primary Examination
This information has been compiled in order to assist candidates in their preparation for the primary
examination.
Reading lists are included with each subject guide. Candidates should ensure that they hold the latest
copies since modifications are made from time to time.
It is not required that all books listed should be read, rather that candidates may select those which are
readily accessible to them.
Journals that are recommended should be used.
Anatomy
(Updated 26 February 2008)
Head and Neck
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the head and neck,
including that of the skull and the vertebral column.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the anatomy of the oral cavity, the infra-temporal region, pharynx
and larynx, anatomy related to functions of the mandibular mechanism, swallowing, neck movements and
posture.
Neuroanatomy
Candidates should possess a general knowledge of the morphology of the brain and spinal cord, and
detailed knowledge of the functional components of the cranial nerves, their branches and the central
connections of those components. Specific emphasis will be placed on the Trigeminal, Facial,
Glossopharyngeal, Vagus and Hypoglossal nerves. An understanding of the embryology of the nervous
system is also helpful.
Thorax
A general knowledge of the contents of the thoracic cavity is required, together with general knowledge of
the cardio-pulmonary circulation.
Dental Anatomy and Embryology
Dental Anatomy: Candidates should be thoroughly familiar with the morphology of the dentition and be
able to identify precisely individual teeth. Knowledge of normal occlusal relationships and of the
chronology of dental development is also required.
Embryology: A general knowledge of the development of the embryo, facial development, and of the
derivatives of pharyngeal arches and pouches is expected.
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Suggested Reading List
(Updated March 2008)
1. The course notes: Lecture Notes in Anatomy, by John McGeachie published by the Royal
Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, 2008.
2. Principal texts. These cover most of the material in the Orientation Course and requirements for
the Primary Examination.
Norton, NS. Netters Head & Neck Anatomy for Dentistry, 2007, published by Saunders Elsevier.
ISBN: 1-929007 88 4
Comment: This text, using Netters outstanding illustrations, with relevant text written by NS
Norton, was published in 2007. Many of the same illustrations as seen in the Atlas (below) are
used in this text book.
Sadler, TW. Langmans Medical Embryology, 10th edition, 2006, published by Lippincott, Williams &
Wilkins. ISBN: 0-7817-9485-4.
Comment: this is the longstanding and user-friendly book on Embryology. It has been used for
decades and the latest edition (above) is excellent for basic embryology.
Alternative Texts
1. Liebgott, B. The Anatomical Basis of Dentistry, 2nd edition, 2001, published by Mosby. ISBN: 0-323-
01013-X.
Comment: This was the previously recommended Principal Text and it is an excellent book on all
aspects of anatomy but is brief on neuroanatomy and embryology. Thus some supplementary
references are recommended below.
2. Netter, FH. Atlas of Human Anatomy, 3rd edition, 2003, published by ICoN Learning Systems. ISBN:
1-92900711-6.
Comment: this atlas is very useful for viewing anatomy and neuroanatomy. Now that Norton has
published Netters Head and Neck Anatomy for Dentistry (2007), many of the images in the Atlas
are in the text, thus it is not really necessary to have both books.
Note: Netter also publishes Flash Cards of the illustrations for rapid reference. ISBN: 1-929007-08-
6.
3. McMinn, R.M. Hutchins, R.T. & Logan, B.M. A Colour Atlas of Head & Neck Anatomy 2nd edition,
1995, published by Mosby Wolfe. ISBN: 0 7234-1994-9.
Comment: this atlas has excellent photographs of the skull and component bones, together with
high quality and well labelled photographs of anatomical dissections. It is well-suited for revision
and preparation for the viva, where many anatomical specimens will be used.
4. Gray's Anatomy: Anatomical Basis of Medicine and Surgery, 39th edition 2005, published by
Churchill Livingstone. ISBN: ISBN: 04430 06676 0. (It has a CD-ROM + online access included)
Comment: Grays is the long established encylopaedia of anatomy and is most useful as a
reference book. Some candidates prefer to use this traditional, comprehensive and up-to-date
book from which to study all aspects of Anatomy, because it includes all the embryology and
neuroanatomy as well, although in more detail than required in some areas.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 39 of 141
5. Sinnatamby, CS. Last's Anatomy, Regional and Applied Anatomy, 10th edition, published by
Churchill Livingstone, 1999. ISBN: 0443056110.
Comment: this is also a general book on anatomy of the whole body and is not as applicable to the
head and neck as the Principal Texts listed above. Some candidates have this from undergraduate
days and it is useful if one is familiar with its content.
Additional References
1. Neuroanatomy
Kiernan, JA. Barrs - The Human Nervous System - An Anatomical Viewpoint. 7th edition, published
by Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1998. ISBN: 0-397 58431-8.
Comment: Kiernan and Barr have published informative books on neuroanatomy for many years.
This latest book is more than adequate for the Orientation Course, and is recommended for those
who need to understand more about neuroanatomy. It is well written, and comprehensive.
2. Goldberg, S. Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple, 3rd edition, published by
MedMaster Medical Books, 2002. ISBN: 0940780-57-7
Comment: Dr Goldberg had gone to an enormous amount of trouble to simplify and demystify
neuroanatomy. His book is excellent for those who find the topic daunting. The book is brief,
inexpensive, and very easy to read. It has humour and simple diagrams.
Final comment on additional references for Neuroanatomy: Any modern text on neuroanatomy will
be adequate. Be sure to study the book carefully before purchasing, because many books are too
complex and specialised for what is needed in the Orientation Course.
3. Embryology
Cochard, L. Netters Atlas of Human Embryology published by ICoN Learning Systems, 2003. ISBN:
1929007-01-9.
Comment: Netter is famous for his outstanding illustrations and this book is no exception. The
diagrams will certainly help candidates understand the events which occur in embryology: the
understanding of which is fundamental for learning meaningful anatomy. It also has graphically
illustrated versions of various developmental abnormalities.
4. Moore, KL. & Persaud, TVN. Before We Are Born Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects, 7th
edition, published by Saunders, 2008, ISBN: 978-4160-3705-7.
Comment: Moores book is also a long standing text it is quite detailed and comprehensive. Its
section on birth defects is most informative.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 40 of 141
Histology
In general, candidates will be expected to have knowledge of the structure of the basic tissues both at the
level of light microscopy and electron microscopy.
The major effort should, however, be concentrated on the more specialised oral and dental tissues. Of
particular concern should be:
1. The structure, development and functional changes of the teeth and the component tissues -
enamel, dentine, pulp and cementum.
2. The structure of the periodontium.
3. The specialisations of the oral and nasal mucosa.
4. The structure and the products of the salivary glands.
5. The structure and functional adaptation of the temporomandibular joint.
The essence of study should be the relation of structure to function and the implications for the oro-dental
clinician.
Suggested Reading List
(Updated March 2011)
The course notes: Lecture Notes in Histology, by Marc Tennant published by the Royal Australasian College
of Dental Surgeons, 2003.
Principal Text:
Berkovitz BKB, Holland GR and Moxham BJ. A Colour Atlas and Text of Oral Anatomy, Histology and
Embryology. 3rd ed. Wolfe, 2001.
Alternative Texts
Ten Cates Oral Histology. Development, Structure and Function. 7th ed, Mosby Elsevier, 2007.
Ross MH, Romrell LJ and Kaye GI. Histology: A Text and Atlas. 3rd ed. Williams and Wilkins, 1995.
Sperber GH and Tobias PV. Craniofacial Embryology. 4th ed. Wright, 1989. (out of print )
Schroeder HE Oral Structural Biology. Thieme, 1991.
Ten Cate AR Oral Histology. Development, Structure and Function. 4th ed, C.V. Mosby, 1994. (or
3rd ed. C.V. Mosby, 1989).
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 41 of 141
Physiology
(Updated March 2013)
A knowledge and understanding of human physiology above the levels expected of an undergraduate
dentistry student is required. During study particular emphasis should be placed on understanding the
physiological concepts and principles that are especially relevant to dentistry. A detailed understanding of
less dentally-relevant topics, such as the special senses or reproductive physiology, is not expected.
Areas of special emphasis include:
Physiological control systems, including the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system
Homeostasis and the bodys response to stress
Sensory physiology with an emphasis on nociception and pain perception
Muscle physiology, particularly as it relates to mastication
Saliva and salivation
Autonomic physiology and pharmacology
Respiratory physiology
Cardiovascular physiology and body fluid balance
Haemorrhage and shock
Physiological principles of drug action, particularly as they relate to analgesia and local anaesthesia
Candidates will be expected to be able to relate their knowledge of fundamental mechanisms of physiology
to clinical situations concerned with the care of their patients, not only to basic diagnosis and treatment,
but also to management of dental patients who have pre-existing general medical conditions, or who
experience medical problems while undergoing dental treatment.
Suggested Reading List
(Updated March 2013)
Candidates are advised to use current (or very recent) editions of textbooks of physiology and
pharmacology suitable for dental undergraduate students in Australia. Study should be directed towards
gaining an understanding of the basic principles and concepts of physiology and their application to
situations that are relevant to the practice of dentistry.
Principal text
Miles TS, Nauntofte B, Svensson P. Clinical Oral Physiology, Copenhagen, Quintessence, 2004.
Textbooks
A recent text of general physiology is essential. Recommended texts are:
Boron WF, Boulpaep EL. Medical Physiology, Elsevier/Saunders; 2nd edition, 2009. This edition
comes with student consult on-line access.
Guyton AC, Hall JE. Textbook of Medical Physiology. Elsevier/Saunders; 12th edition, 2011. This
new edition comes with improved artwork and student consult on-line access.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 42 of 141
Recommended text for management of medical emergencies:
Malamed SF. Medical Emergencies in Dental Offices. Mosby, St Louis; 6th edition, 2007.
Useful reference books
Ferguson DB. Oral Bioscience. Churchill Livingstone; paperback edition, 2006 (Accessible also from
Authors Online at www.racds.org )
Neal MJ. Medical Pharmacology at a Glance. Wiley; 6th edition, 2009.
Seymour RA, Meechan JG, Yates MS Pharmacology and Dental Therapeutics. Oxford University
Press; 3nd edition, 1999.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 43 of 141
Cell Biology & Biochemistry
(Updated April 2013)
Candidates are expected to have knowledge of the general principles and application of Nutrition,
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology to the study of human health and especially Dental
Science that is at least as extensive as their knowledge of the topics covered in their undergraduate degree,
but with particular focus on the areas listed below.
Candidates should be aware of and be able to discuss:
The effects of diet and exercise on metabolism
Chemical nature of the macronutrients and micronutrients; including carbohydrates, proteins, fats,
water soluble vitamins, fat soluble vitamins and the major minerals including calcium, iron and zinc
Sources of and dietary guidelines for the macronutrients and the micronutrients
Processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients, with special emphasis on the role of the oral
cavity
Functions of the macronutrients and the micronutrients
Normal metabolism of the macronutrients during the fed and fasted states
Biochemical and clinical consequences of decreased or increased macronutrient and/or
micronutrient intakes
The control of metabolism (Endocrine and Signal Transduction Biochemistry)
Chemical nature of the water and fat soluble hormones
Mechanisms of action of these hormones including their synthesis, secretion, transport, receptors
types and degradation
Signal transduction mechanisms including receptors, ion channels, second messengers (calcium and
cyclic nucleotides), protein kinases and phosphatases, structure-function relationships of proteins,
reactive oxygen species, lipid signal and transcription factors
Normal functions of the hormones
Biochemical and clinical consequences of altered hormone action, with particular emphasis on
NIDDM and IDDM, thyroid disease and other endocrine disorders relevant to clinical practice
Cell division, growth, differentiation and death (Molecular and Cellular Biology)
DNA replication, transcription and translation, and how these events play a role in recessive and
dominant inheritance
Normal processes of cell division, growth, differentiation and death
Control mechanisms for cell division, growth, differentiation and death
Biochemical and clinical consequences of genetic, cellular and molecular abnormalities, with
particular emphasis on cancer and other disorders relevant to clinical practice
In addition many other cell biology and biochemistry text books are adequate for this section and
some are listed in sections A and B.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 44 of 141
Suggested Reading List
(Updated April 2013)
a) The effects of diet, exercise and trauma on metabolism
Access to recent textbooks in Nutrition and in Biochemistry such as one of the following is
essential:
Bhagavan, N. V. (2002) Medical Biochemistry, 4th Edition, Harcourt Academic Press.
Baynes, J.W. and Dominiczak, M. H. (2005) Medical Biochemistry 3rd Edition, Elsevier Mosby.
Gillham, G., Papachristodoulou, D. K. and Thomas, J. H. (1997) Wills Biochemical Basis of
Medicine, 3rd Edition, Butterworth Heinemann.
Bender, D. A. (2002) Introduction to nutrition and metabolism, 4thrd Edition, CRC Press.
In addition many other nutrition and biochemistry text books are adequate for this section and
some are listed in sections B and C.
b) The control of metabolism (Endocrine and Signal Transduction Biochemistry)
Access to recent textbooks in endocrinology and biochemistry such as one of the following is
essential:
Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K. and Walter, P. (2008) Molecular
Biology of the Cell, 5th Edition, Garland Science
Baynes, J.W. and Dominiczak, M. H. (2009) Medical Biochemistry 3rd Edition, Elsevier
Mosby.
Devlin, T. M. (2010) Textbook of Biochemistry and Clinical Correlations, 7th Edition, Wiley.
Mathews, C. K. , Van Holde, K. E. And Ahern (2009) Biochemistry, 3rd Edition, Benjamin
Cummings
Berg, J. M., Tymoczko, J. L. and Stryer, L. (2006) Biochemistry, 6th Edition, W. H. Freeman
and Co.
In addition many other biochemistry text books are adequate for this section and some are
listed in section A and C
c) Cell division, growth, differentiation and death (Molecular and Cellular Biology)
Access to recent textbooks in molecular and cellular biology such as one of the following is
essential:
Alberts, B., Johnson, A., Lewis, J., Raff, M., Roberts, K. and Walter, P. (2007) Molecular
Biology of the Cell, 5th Edition, Garland Science
Baynes, J.W. and Dominiczak, M. H. (2005) Medical Biochemistry 3rd Edition, Elsevier
Mosby.
Lodish, L., D Berk, A., Zipursky, S. L., Matsudiara, P., Baltimore, D. and Darnell, J. (2008)
Molecular Cell Biology, 6th Edition, W.H. Freeman.
In addition many other cell biology and biochemistry text books are adequate for this
section and some are listed in sections A and B.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 45 of 141
Pathology
Clinical practice is by definition only required because patients suffer disease processes, and the RACDS
examination in Pathology is intended to specifically test understanding of the mechanisms which underlie
human disease. Although some understanding of the role of clinical diagnostic pathology is expected, this
is not a major focus of the examinations, and candidates will not be required to make diagnosis of specific
oral disease from histological sections.
Instead, the emphasis in the Primary examinations has traditionally been upon basic disease processes such
as wound healing, inflammation, immunity, thrombosis, and neoplasia.
It is important, however, for candidates to note that as of 2011, the scope of the primary examinations has
been widened to also include aspects of systemic pathology that have particular bearing on dental practice.
This change is to accommodate changing community need, with dentists treating an increasingly aged and
medically fragile population.
Aspects of systemic pathology that are specifically emphasized are those which deal with common and
important chronic systemic conditions that affect dental management. It would be both impossible and
inappropriate for candidates to seek to memorize everything known about basic pathological processes and
systemic disease. An alternative approach is suggested instead, in which candidates are encouraged to try
and develop a good overview and general understanding of the relevant pathological processes. The
emphasis is on approaching Pathology from first principles, such that coherent understanding should
supplant the otherwise impossible task of memorizing everything that might be relevant.
The titles of the lectures given for Pathology in the Orientation Course provide a reasonable impression of
the scope of material covered: The Cellular Response to Injury; Acute Inflammation; Haematology;
Proteinase Inflammatory Mediators and Dental Aspects of Haematological Disease; Wound Healing;
Inflammatory Mediators & Chronic Inflammation; Effector Mechanisms in Immunity; The Immune
Response in Disease; Properties of Benign & Malignant Tumours; Carcinogenesis; Atherosclerosis
Thrombosis & Embolism; Cardiovascular Disease; Heart Failure and Respiratory Disease; and Endocrine
Disorders. Throughout, the emphasis is upon processes and conditions relevant to general dental practice,
and not upon obscure small print detail.
Candidates are expected in the examination to demonstrate an ability to relate basic pathological processes
to clinical practice. Nonetheless, while it is expected that candidates will be able to describe the general
relevance of systemic conditions to management of dental patients, precise details regarding drug use and
treatment planning for medically complex patients is more properly in the clinical province of Special Care
Dentistry, and beyond the scope of the Primary Examinations. Instead, we will examine understanding of
the pathological processes which underlie clinical decisions.
Suggested Reading List
(Updated February 2010)
1. The course notes: Lecture Notes in Pathology, by Rakesh K. Kumar and Hans Zoellner, published
by the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, 2010.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 46 of 141
2. Textbook:
No single textbook of Pathology provides ideal coverage at appropriate depth for use by
candidates. Perhaps the best available compromise is the text "Basic Pathology" by V. Kumar, A.K.
Abbas, N. Fausto and R. Mitchell (8th edition, 2007, Saunders).
Candidates are advised to study Chapters 1-9 inclusive of the book in depth, to gain an overall perspective
of processes in Pathology. However, portions of "Basic Pathology" are beyond the scope of the examination
requirements.
Additional topics which are to be considered part of the core curriculum include:
Chapter 10: Atherosclerosis
Chapter 11: Ischaemic heart disease; valvular heart disease including infective endocarditis
Chapter 12: General features of anaemias; neutropenia; lymphomas; leukaemias; bleeding
disorders
Chapter 13: Asthma; pneumonia and lung abscess; bronchiectasis; tuberculosis; bronchial
carcinoma
Chapter 16: Jaundice; hepatic failure; viral hepatitis; cirrhosis
Chapter 21: Osteoporosis; Paget's disease; neoplasms of bone.
3. Additional references:
Reference to any available textbook of oral pathology may also be helpful, as it is desirable that
candidates should have an appreciation of the relevance of these processes to clinical practice. An
atlas-style text that might be worth examining is "Cawson's Essentials of Oral Pathology and Oral
Medicine" by R.A. Cawson and E.W. Odell (8th edition, 2008, Elsevier).
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 47 of 141
Microbiology
(Updated March 2013)
On presentation to the Primary Examination, candidates should be able to:
Appreciate
The varying nature of infectious agents
The range of techniques used for diagnostic microbiology
The varying growth requirements of bacterial species in the oral cavity
The principles of disease transmission in the oral cavity and the dental environment
The ecological determinants of the oral flora
The protective immune response to infective agents, including the role of both humoral and cellular
aspects of the immune system
The principles and application of vaccination
Side effects of commonly prescribed antimicrobial agents
Understand
The role of bacteria in the aetiology of diseases of the oral cavity
The management of dental infections using microbiological principles
The use of salivary diagnostics and caries activity tests in clinical patient care
The differing mechanisms of disease causation with bacteria, fungi, viruses and prions
Principles of instrument reprocessing
The mechanisms of operation and limitations of commonly used sterilisation methods
The role and interpretation of quality assurance tests for sterilisation
Describe
The formation of biofilms, including dental plaque
The role of oral bacteria in systemic diseases such as infective endocarditis
Protocols for antibiotic cover
The role and selection of disinfectants in clinical dentistry
The mechanism of action of common classes of antimicrobial agents
The clinical manifestations of infections of the oral cavity
Oral lesions associated with immune suppressed states such as AIDS
Pathways of the spread of infection involving inanimate surfaces in the dental surgery
Clinical follow up for a sharps injury from a patient with a blood-borne viral infection
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 48 of 141
Suggested Reading List
(Updated March 2013)
1. The course notes: Lecture Notes in Microbiology, by Prof Laurence Walsh published by the Royal
Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, 7th ed. March 2011.
2. Textbooks:
Candidates may benefit from supplementing the course notes with the current edition of a
textbook in dental microbiology. Either of the following texts are recommended:
Samaranayake LP. Essential microbiology for dentistry. (4th ed) October 2011. Churchill-
Livingstone, ISBN: 9780702034848
http://store.elsevier.com/Essential-Microbiology-for-Dentistry/Lakshman-Samaranayake/isbn-
9780702034848/
OR
Marsh PD and Martin MV. Oral Microbiology. 5th ed. June 2010. Butterworth-Heinemann ISBN:
9780702041488
http://store.elsevier.com/product.jsp?isbn=9780702041488&_requestid=1763407
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 49 of 141
Guidelines - Final Examination for Fellowship in General Dental Practice
Introduction
1.1 These guidelines are intended to assist candidates in their preparation for the final examination in
the College General Dental Practice examinations, leading to the award of the College qualification -
FRACDS(GDP).
1.2 The final examination assesses clinical and theoretical knowledge in an experiential context, over a
broad base of general dental practice.
1.3 The focus is on the candidates ability to:
Make informed clinical assessment and analysis,
Consider a diagnosis with evidence of application of diagnostic or surgical sieves and selection of
appropriate treatment modalities,
Demonstrate the ability to justify the management options with reference to current literature
and evidence based practice,
Effectively communicate that knowledge in written papers and viva voce examinations.
1.4 The College is dedicated to an examination process in which candidates are able to approach the
Final Examination from all types of practice or institutional tenure, irrespective of geographic
locations. Whilst the examination is established as a fair and equitable assessment of dentists from a
variety of environments, it is a rigorous process and candidates must accept a responsibility to
prepare appropriately.
1.5 Examiners are appointed because of their clinical knowledge and experience and ability to assess
candidates fairly with regard to their knowledge and experience. These guidelines are to be followed
by Examiners in their conduct of the College Final Examination for General Dental Practice.
1.6 The Fellowship qualification of the College represents a level of personal and professional
achievement. The maintenance and perpetuity of these standards are the responsibility of
examiners and candidates alike.
Resources
The College provides a number of resources for the assistance of candidates:
2.1 Final Exam Workshop
This two-day seminar provides candidates with the opportunity to participate in interactive sessions
which have been modeled on the format of the final examination. The focus of the examiner
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 50 of 141
facilitated sessions is case diagnosis, analysis and treatment planning with an emphasis on peer
interaction, problem solving and communication skills. The principle aim of the workshop is to assist
candidates in understanding what they need to do to prepare for the final examination.
2.2 Guide to Study for the Final Exam
The Guide to Study for the Final Exam (below) provide guidance on suggested areas of study for each
section and provide reading suggestions for the elective sections.
2.3 Web Based Education Program
The web based education program provides candidates with the opportunity to practice written
answers (based on case studies) which are then marked by past examiners. The program is available
through the College website and has a limited number of places.
Also available are self-assessment tools, with exercises in general dentistry and other areas of
interest.
http://www.racds.org/courses/final_exam_workshop .
2.4 Regional advisors
Regional advisors are college fellows who can be contacted by candidates for guidance and support.
In some locations, preparation programs are offered by the College Regional Committee.
Guide to Study for the Final Exam
The Final Examination for Fellowship is directed towards the experienced general practitioner.
Part One of the examination is compulsory. Candidates are required to select one of the Elective
Sections in Part Two of the examination, according to their interest, background or experience.
Candidates are required to satisfy the examiners in both Parts One and Two of the examination.
2.5 PART ONE - GENERAL DENTISTRY
It is assumed that preventive dentistry will be a basic principle in all Sections of the Examination.
Candidates will be required to:
Have a broad knowledge of all aspects of Dentistry detailed in Part II, Sections (1)-(3).
Critically discuss and cite current literature. For example, when answering questions, the
position should be supported by reference to the current literature.
Identify and evaluate a range of conditions, develop a differential diagnosis, and formulate a
treatment plan. When the patient cannot be managed in the General Practice, the candidate
should be aware of other investigations and current treatment modalities by specialists.
Be able to apply the basic sciences current literature to clinical care.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 51 of 141
In addition, candidates must have knowledge of the following:
Management of Medical Emergencies in Dental Practice
Infection Control Protocols including environmental protection legislation relevant to the
candidates national and regional authorities
Pharmacology, therapeutics and dental materials
Radiology, radiography and its interpretation
Ethics, jurisprudence and dental informatics
Responsibilities of the dental surgeon as a health care professional in the community
Management of the anxious patient.
2.6 PART TWO
SECTION (1): ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL SURGERY, ORAL PATHOLOGY
Various branches of Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology
Pharmacology and therapeutics as applied to Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery
Principles, techniques and drugs used in local anaesthesia
Techniques, administration and properties of drugs used in general anaesthesia
Principles of the surgical removal of teeth and retained roots, surgical management of cysts,
periapical infections, and fractures of the jaws
Common oral tumors
Pre-prosthetic surgery.
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge of:
Diagnosis of lesions of the hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity
Biopsy techniques
Common oral manifestations of systemic diseases
Common disorders of the dentition.
Candidates will not be required to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of operative techniques of major
oral surgery, treatment of oral malignancies, or extra oral operations.
READING
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine and Oral Diseases
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontics
British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Peterson, Ellis, Hupp & Tucker (eds) . Contemporary Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 3rd ed.
The C.V. Mosby Company, 1998
Cawson and Odell Essentials of Oral Pathology and Medicine.
SECTION (2): RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY AND PERIODONTICS
Candidates will be expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skill in the various sections of
Restorative Dentistry listed below, particularly in relation to preventive measures, diagnosis, treatment
planning, and details of the treatment required for the preservation of teeth.
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 52 of 141
The various aspects of Restorative Dentistry will include:
The epidemiology of dental caries, oral and periodontal disease; diet and nutrition and
preventative concepts
Diagnosis and treatment planning for individuals and communities
Operative Dentistry and Gerodontics
Crown and fixed bridgework and partial and complete denture treatment and use of implants.
Endodontics,Periodontics and Periodontics in relation to restorative treatment
Treatment planning for complex restorative cases, including the integration of orthodontic,
periodontic and oral surgical pre-treatment procedures. The applications of occlusal
adjustment and occlusal splint therapy
The conservative treatment of temporomandibular joint problems.
READING
Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
Journal of Gerodontology
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
Endodontics and Dental Traumatology
The International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Implants
Current clinical guidelines.
SECTION (3): PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS
Growth and development of the head, face and oral cavity
Common medical conditions
Childhood
Diet and Nutrition
Dental caries, oral and periodontal diseases
Oral manifestations of systemic diseases
Diagnosis, treatment planning and management
Trauma to the primary and permanent dentitions
Anomalies of the primary and permanent dentition
Diagnosis and treatment planning malocclusions and oral habits.
READING
Note: candidates should be familiar with current research related to paediatric dentistry and
orthodontics as published both in general dental and specialised journals.
Pediatric Dentistry and International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
Australian Orthodontic Journal
European Journal of Orthodontics
American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Cameron A and Widmer R (eds). Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry. Mosby-Year Book, 2013
Scully C and Welbury R. Colour Atlas of Oral Diseases in Children and Adolescents. Mosby,
1994.
Proffit RW and Fields HW. Contemporary Orthodontics. 3rd ed. Mosby, 2001.
Mitchell L. An introduction to Orthodontics. Oxford University Press 2007
Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Page 53 of 141
The Examination Process
Theory Examinations
3.1 The objective of questions is to assess the candidates knowledge and understanding in a fair and
impartial manner.
3.2 Whilst actual journal articles or publications may be useful in responses, the questions
themselves are not specifically based on a particular article.
3.3 Examiners expect candidates to demonstrate their knowledge AND clinical experience when
answering questions.
3.4 Candidates and examiners must be critical of the literature and must be able to substantiate
their viewpoint.
3.5 Questions are set which allow discussion and presentation of different approaches and points
of view. Candidates are encouraged to present a point of view that is supported with evidence
in their clinical practice.
3.6 Candidates should note that compulsory questions are included in several parts of the
examination.
3.7 Questions are set at experienced general practitioner level in Part I General Dentistry and Part
II Elective Sections. Candidates are specifically not required to display specialist knowledge but
rather that of a experienced general practitioner.
Clinical and Oral Examinations
3.8 Case material is selected to give candidates an opportunity to demonstrate their clinical acumen
drawing from their knowledge and experience in general practice dentistry. Case material is varied
during the examination.
3.9 Candidates may be required to discuss a diagnosis of the clinical problem presented, an
optimal treatment plan, and possible alternative treatment plans.
Elective Sections: Case Presentations
3.10 Case material review - 30 minutes
Candidates will be required to examine material from a patient case or cases. Candidates will
be provided with a documented clinical case or cases that will include: information on the
presenting condition or problem, a dental and medical history, charting(s) and radiographs.
The case/s may also include where relevant, photographs and study models. The candidate will
be required to establish a differential diagnosis and be prepared to discuss the management
strategy and/or treatment plan for the patient case/s.
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3.11 Case presentation 20 minutes
The candidate will be required to discuss the findings from the case/s with the examiners.
Discussion may extend to include material beyond the scope of the specific case/s presented.
Viva Voce Examinations
4.1 Viva voce examinations in Part I are of 20 minutes duration, and in Part II of 25 minutes
duration. Candidates are examined over a broad range of subject matter.
4.2 Questioning may be prompted by a clinical image, radiograph(s), study cast(s) or other
material. The candidate is expected to be able to identify and discuss the principal presenting
features, to indicate any appropriate special tests, to make a differential diagnosis and to
discuss management options.
4.3 The candidate is expected to exhibit sound observational skills, the ability to describe clinical
features, demonstrate diagnostic skills, recommend special tests, formulate appropriate
management strategies and be prepared to make referrals to the appropriate specialist.
4.4 Viva voce examinations may be used to supplement information obtained in other sections of
the examinations.
Assessment
5.1 Each section of the examination is marked by two examiners for fair and equitable calibration.
The marks awarded to each candidate are presented at the examiners meeting which is held
at the conclusion of the examination process. The examiners meeting is attended by the
examiners, college staff, including the Director of Education and Examinations Officer and is
chaired by the General Dental Practice Registrar. The final result is authorized by the Registrar.
5.2 A candidate who is successful in Part 1 General and Part 2 Elective will be admitted to the
College as a Fellow in General Dental Practice.
5.3 A candidate who is successful in one Part only (either Part 1 General or Part 2 Elective) will be
granted a partial pass. The candidate may represent at a later examination for the Part which
they have failed. Candidates must present for the full examination (that is both Parts 1 and 2)
if a full pass has not been achieved within three years of the partial pass.
5.4 A candidate who is unsuccessful in one or both parts of the examination will receive written
feedback from the Registrar.
Summary
6.1 The College has a policy of commitment to general dentistry for admission to Fellowship.
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6.2 The level of examination is at the experienced general practitioner level, not at specialist level.
Candidates need to be able to demonstrate, by written examination and oral presentation,
that they have broad clinical experience, have a knowledge and understanding of current
literature and have ability to link evidence with clinical practice.
6.3 The College appoints examiners with wide experience as clinicians and provides them with
training, guidance and calibration as examiners to ensure the examination process is fair,
equitable and transparent.
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SECTION 3 SPECIALIST DENTAL PRACTICE
Membership and Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
in Specialist Dental Practice disciplines
Endodontics
Oral Medicine
Orthodontics
Paediatric Dentistry
Prosthodontics
Special Needs Dentistry
Periodontics
Dental Public Health
General Information
This section reflects the Colleges Regulations leading to Membership and Fellowship in Specialist Dental
Practice
1. Scope
1.1 This Appendix sets out specific requirements for candidates who are enrolled with the
College for the award of Membership (MRACDS) and Fellowship (FRACDS) in Specialist
Dental Practice and who are completing an approved University postgraduate program (as
defined in Section 6 below) for the award of a Masters or Clinical Doctorate in Endodontics,
Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Special Needs Dentistry,
Periodontics or Public Oral Health & Epidemiology (Approved Program), or who have
previously completed an approved program or an equivalent course and qualification as
approved by the College Council on the recommendation of the Boards of Studies.
1.2 Membership in Specialist Dental Practice is granted in recognition of a candidates standing
as a specialist in their discipline. It is not to be seen as a registrable qualification in that
discipline but the attainment and recognition of specialist status by ones peers.
1.3 Fellowship in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline represents the assessment and peer
review of a candidate at an advanced level following the completion of a period of
specialist experience gained after the completion of a higher university qualification in that
discipline. It is seen as a continuation of learning and professional development in that
discipline. The assessment will be set at an advanced level such that the candidate will be
expected to demonstrate knowledge and clinical skill commensurate with a specialist
practitioner in the Specialist Dental Practice discipline.
2. General
2.1 Award of Membership in the Specialist Dental Practice disciplines of Endodontics, Oral
Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Special Needs Dentistry,
Periodontics or Dental Public Health.
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The Board of Studies in each Specialist Dental Practice discipline shall recommend to
Council the admission to Membership (MRACDS) those candidates who have successfully
completed the Parts of the Examination, viz.
(a) Membership Examination (Part I) or exemption (see 3.4.3 perio)
2.2 Award of Fellowship in the Specialist Dental Practice disciplines of Endodontics, Oral
Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Special Needs Dentistry,
Periodontics or Dental Public Health.
Those candidates holding Membership of the College, or an equivalent qualification
approved by the Council, are eligible for recommendation for admission to Fellowship
(FRACDS) following successful completion of:
(a) Specialist Experience (see Clause 4)
(b) Peer review and Assessment (Part II; See Clause 5)
Specialist Dental Practice Pathways to Membership and Fellowship
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3. Membership Examination in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline (Part I)
3.1 Eligibility for Part I Examination
(a) Applicants for assessment of eligibility for Part I examination, leading to
Membership in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline must produce evidence of
undertaking, or having previously completed, a full time, supervised program of
advanced training of a minimum of three years full time duration leading to the
degree of Master or Clinical Doctorate in an approved program, or a course and
qualification as approved by the College Council on the recommendation of the
Board of Studies.
(b) Formal training shall have been under the supervision of a teaching authority
approved by the College Council on the recommendation of the Board of Studies
and shall have been designed to give knowledge and experience in all areas of
study in the Specialist Dental Practice discipline (see 3.4 below).
(c) Candidates may sit for the Part I examination for Membership in a Specialist Dental
Practice discipline at the time of completing, or following completion of, an
approved program or an equivalent course and qualification as specified above.
3.2 Areas of Study
Candidates are referred to the guidelines below for each Specialist Dental Practice
discipline in relation to the areas of study required for Membership (see clauses 8 - 12).
3.3 Assessment
3.3.1 Assessment of candidates may be conducted:
(a) by the College
OR
(b) in conjunction with another institution where that institution has a signed
Memorandum of Understanding with the RACDS to conduct the joint
examination.
3.3.2 Assessment of candidates shall comprise at least:
(a) written examination papers
(b) examination of a patient and viva voce
(c) a viva voce examination based on the case reports
(d) a viva voce examination on the written examination paper and general
discussion
3.3.3 Assessment of candidates for Dental Public Health shall comprise at least:
(a) written examination components:
(b) scenario summary
(c) critical appraisal
Candidates will be given 6 hours to complete both sections of the written
components.
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3.3.3.1 A viva voce examination on the written examination paper and general discussion
(i) 1 hour scenario presentation
(ii) 1 hour general Dental Public Health viva voce
3.3.4 Requirement to sit the written papers may be waived if:
(a) The candidate has completed an approved program from an Australian or New
Zealand university
OR
(b) The candidate has successfully completed a Membership examination from
another College or an equivalent qualification approved by Council.
3.4 Award of Membership in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline
3.4.1 The Boards of Studies shall recommend to Council, the award of Membership in a
Specialist Dental Practice discipline to those candidates who successfully complete
the Membership examination.
3.4.2 For those candidates who are completing an approved program, Membership in
that Specialist Dental Practice discipline shall not be awarded until the College
receives formal advice from the university that all components of the university
degree have been successfully completed. This must occur within 12 months of the
candidate sitting the Membership examination.
3.4.3 For those candidates who have previously completed an approved program or
equivalent course in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline, the usual criteria for
award of Membership may be waived in the event the following criteria are met by
the candidate and will be granted ad eundem.
(a) Evidence of a minimum of ten (10) years full time duration in the discipline
prior to 31 December 2007 (2010 for Dental Public Health), during which
period the candidate has been recognised by the relevant Dental Board or
registering authority as a specialist in the Specialist Dental Practice discipline.
OR
(b) Completion of a Masters or Clinical Doctorate in a Specialist Dental Practice
discipline prior to 30 June 2009 from a University course accredited by the
Australian Dental Council or the Dental Council of New Zealand,
OR
(c) Completion of a full time, supervised training program of advanced training of
a minimum of three years full time duration outside Australia or New Zealand
prior to 30 June 2009 where that program and qualification has been approved
for registration or recognition as a specialist by the Dental Board of Australia
or by the Dental Council of New Zealand.
OR
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(d) in the case of Dental Public Health, completion of a combination of degrees
including a Masters or Doctorate or Diploma of 2 years full time or equivalent
in the Special Discipline of Dental Public Health prior to 31 December 2010
from a University in Australia or New Zealand.
OR
(e) in the case of Dental Public Health, completion of a full time, supervised
training program of advanced training of a minimum of 2 years full time
duration, or an appropriate combination of education and experience in the
discipline of Dental Public Health prior to 31 December 2010 as approved by
the Board.
4. Experience in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline
4.1 The period of specialist experience shall be a minimum of twelve (12) months in duration
approved by the Board of Studies.
4.2 Mentors
4.2.1 Appointment of Mentors
The Boards of Studies will support and recommends that candidates seek
mentorship from a senior clinician who is an active member of the relevant
specialist society or academy in that Specialist Dental Practice discipline.
4.2.2 Responsibilities of Mentors
Members of the relevant specialist society or academy in that Specialist Dental
Practice discipline who are invited as mentors of a candidate should:
(a) Provide feedback to the candidate regarding the organisation and
development of a selection of patients with a broad range of specialist
conditions managed in preparation for the Peer Review and Assessment.
(b) Senior dental public health specialists who are invited as mentors of a
candidate should provide feedback to the candidate regarding the
organisation and development of a portfolio in preparation for the Peer
Review and Assessment (see Clause 5.2.1 and 8.3.1).
(c) Meet with the candidate on a regular basis.
4.3 Candidates are required to thoroughly document their specialist experience and to compile
an Evidence Portfolio of achievement. This Evidence Portfolio must include:
(a) Log Book summary
(b) Evidence of Continuing Professional Development
(c) Summary of lectures and presentations delivered
(c) Research and publications
(d) Professional and community service
(e) Administrative responsibilities
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5. Peer Review and Assessment in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline
(Part II)
5.1 Eligibility for Examination by Peer Review
5.1.1 Candidates for the award of Fellowship (FRACDS) in a Specialist Dental Practice
discipline are required to hold Membership in that Specialist Dental Practice
discipline.
5.1.2 Following completion of the minimum twelve (12) months full-time, or equivalent,
period of specialist experience, candidates may apply to the College for eligibility
for the Peer Review and Assessment. Candidates must submit, for approval by the
Board of Studies, the Evidence Portfolio relating to their specialist experience. All
documentation must be certified.
5.2 Assessment in the Specialist Dental Practice disciplines of Endodontics, Oral Medicine,
Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, and Special Needs Dentistry
5.2.1 Assessment of candidates in these disciplines shall be by peer review of case
presentations with a viva voce examination of up to 1.5 hours duration. Candidates
must present case reports covering their personal treatment of a range of
problems. The assessment will be set at an advanced level such that the candidate
will be expected to demonstrate independent clinical acumen and experience
above that which has been achieved during their graduate training program. The
number of case reports for each Specialist Dental Practice discipline is specified in
clauses 8-13 of this Appendix.
5.2.2 Each case report will include:
(a) Pre-treatment
Pre-treatment dental and medical history
Clinical findings on initial presentation
Results of investigations
Pre-treatment clinical photographs, models and radiographs as appropriate
(b) Treatment
Diagnosis
Treatment plan
Treatment phase records including clinical photographs, models and
radiographs as appropriate
(c) Post-treatment
Post treatment assessment and prognosis including clinical photographs,
models and radiographs as appropriate (ideally a minimum period of six
months)
Prognosis and maintenance
Brief discussion supported by the literature
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5.2.3 Each case report should not exceed five (5) pages of typing (excluding copies of
chartings and clinical photographs). Radiographs, clinical photographs and study
models should be submitted in support of the case report as appropriate.
5.2.4 Each case report must detail the role of the candidate in the management of the
patient.
5.2.5 The case report submissions must be received by the College at least four weeks
prior to the Peer Review Examination. Due to the large file size of the cases and
the need to forward them to the Examiners, three separate USB flash drives, each
containing the whole submission in Adobe PDF format and in addition one
printed, hard copy must be included.
5.2.6 Candidates must present cases that have been commenced following completion
of the approved program.
5.2.7 In the Specialist Dental Practice discipline of Orthodontics, the cases should cover
the broad range of orthodontic malocclusion and must be presented following a
minimum of two (2) years following debanding of the patient.
5.3 Assessment in the Specialist Dental Practice discipline of Dental Public Health
5.3.1 Assessment of candidates in this discipline shall be by peer review of portfolio
presentations with a viva voce examination of up to 1.5 hours duration.
Candidates must present portfolio reports covering their personal involvement in
an oral epidemiological survey; development of oral health policy;
implementation of a dental public health service or evaluated health promotion
program and/or their management or leadership of innovative oral health
services research. The assessment will be set at an advanced level such that the
candidate will be expected to demonstrate independent acumen and experience
above that which has been achieved during their graduate training program. The
content and coverage of the portfolio report is specified in clause 8 of this
Appendix.
5.3.2 Each portfolio report will include:
(a) A validated statement of the candidates experiences in:
public or Non-Government Organisation (NGO) sectors
managing a group of health professionals with more than six staff
members
the role and contribution within health administrative and policy
committees
contributing to community service through collaboration with
community or public health networks
(b) Documentation, either in scientific publication or in-house policy documents
of the:
conduct of a substantive epidemiological or health service study
conduct and evaluation of an oral health promotion project
(c) Evidence of their role in:
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implementation of a new or reorientated oral health service
community information transfer
competent management of an urban or rural dental health service
teaching
research
5.3.3 The portfolio report should not exceed twenty (20) pages of typing in total
(excluding appendices and photographs but including presentation of work
experience and/or case studies in the Special discipline).
5.3.4 Each portfolio must detail the role of the candidate in the management of the
program or project.
5.3.5 Three (3) copies of the portfolio report must be submitted to the College in
electronic form on CD or DVD in Adobe