Purpose

The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons is a postgraduate education body established primarily to improve the knowledge and skills of dental practitioners.

Recognising the professional responsibility of dentists to the community and the advantages of postgraduate study at an appropriate level as an aid to the better fulfillment of this responsibility, the College was established to encourage this activity within the profession. This objective is promoted through the conduct of the Primary and Final Examination, General and Special Field Streams, MRACDS program in General Dental Practice and the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery training program which is accredited by the Australian Medical Council / Australian Dental Council. Successful completion of these examinations provides evidence of improved knowledge and skills by the candidate who is then elected to Membership or Fellowship in the College.

The College has a particular role in providing a type of postgraduate education alternative to the study required for higher degrees in universities which is not always possible for those engaged in the private practice of dentistry.