The new MFGDP (UK) examination (formerly, the DGDP [UK])

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Professional Examinations
• Postgraduate Dental Qualifications

Background:

• The Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) offered the Diploma in General Dental Practice (DGDP (UK)).
• Part 1 of the DGDP (UK) examination had a reciprocal arrangement with Part A of the new Membership of the Faculties of Dental Surgery/Faculty of Dentistry (MFDS/MFD).
• The DGDP (UK) Part 1 examination was discontinued after the October 1998 diet.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trace the origins of the Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (MFGDP (UK)).
• To provide context regarding postgraduate dental qualifications in the UK.
• To elucidate the differences between the Part 1 examination of the MFGDP (UK) and the DGDP (UK).

Main Methods:

• Historical review of dental postgraduate qualification structures.
• Analysis of examination changes and title approvals by the General Dental Council.
• Comparative examination of the DGDP (UK) Part 1 and the new MFGDP (UK) Part 1.

Main Results:

• The DGDP (UK) Part 1 examination ceased in late 1998.
• The General Dental Council approved the title change to Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners (UK) (MFGDP (UK)) in November 1998.
• The MFGDP (UK) Part 1 examination was introduced with distinct features compared to the DGDP (UK).

Conclusions:

• The transition from DGDP (UK) to MFGDP (UK) marked a significant evolution in postgraduate dental qualifications.
• Understanding the historical context and structural differences is crucial for dental professionals.
• The MFGDP (UK) represents a new standard in general dental practice assessment.