HANDBOOK

The Handbook contains detailed information regarding Membership and Fellowship in SDP including:

• Entry requiremets
• Application process
• Examination format and content

CONTACTS
FRACDS(SDP) - info@racds.org
Senior Project Officer - Rachel Introna
rachel.introna@racds.org

Specialist Dental Practice - Fellowship (SDP)

Candidates for Fellowship (SDP) are required to have a broad and deep theoretical knowledge with clinical application in all aspects of the Specialist Dental Practice.

Fellowship in a Specialist Dental Practice discipline represents the assessment and peer review of a candidate at an advanced level. This follows 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.

Admission Requirements
Prior to applying for assessment of eligibility to present for the Fellowship Examination in Specialist Dental Practice, a specialist must have:

• Attained the award of Membership (SDP) in that Specialist Dental Practice discipline
• Completed the requisite period for specialist practice

As part of the Assessment of Eligibility, candidates will be asked to submit a Clinical Logbook. Specific requirements can be found in the Handbook - Membership and Fellowship in SDP.

Examination
Assessment of specialists for Fellowship is conducted through an examination which includes submission of case reports and a viva voce examination.

How to Apply
Find out everything you need to know about Specialist Dental Practice pathways in the Handbook - Membership and Fellowship in SDP. Please ensure you read this document before applying and contact RACDS if you have any questions. We have a dedicated education team to assist you with your enquiries.

To have your eligibility assessed for a College Fellowship examination, you will need to submit an FSDP01 - Assessment of Eligibility for Fellowship Examination.

If assessed as eligible, you will then be invited to submit a FSDP02 – Enrolment for Fellowship Examination for your chosen examination. 

The Handbook – Membership and Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice has been amended and the new version is effective from 1st December 2017. Download the current version of the SDP Handbook. All applications received after this date will be assessed against this document. The key changes are:

• Discontinuation of the prior recognition pathway for Membership
• Additional review step for Membership and Fellowship examination case reports 
• Earlier submission date for Membership and Fellowship examination case reports (1st May)

Fees

Fellowship - Specialist Dental Practice (SDP) 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 Fees (in AUD)
Examination	Overseas Resident	Australian Resident
Assessment Assessment of eligibility for fellowship examination	629.00#	629.00#
Examination Enrolment	3,641.00#	3,641.00#
Appeal fee	6,000.00*	6,000.00*
Admission to Fellowship	320.91#	353.00*
Annual fee (FY 01/07/17 to 30/06/18)	612.73#	674.00*
Annual fee (FY 01/07/18 to 30/06/19)	624.55#	687.00*
Notes Fellowship in Specialist Dental Practice (SDP) is offered in the following disciplines: endodontics, oral medicine, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, special needs dentistry, periodontics and dental public health. Fees marked with asterisk (*) denote GST inclusive. Fees marked with pound/hash (#) denote GST free. The annual fee is payable on the 1st day of July each year. All unpaid annual fees by the 31st of August each year will attract a monthly late payment surcharge. Members or Fellows who are elected to Membership or Fellowship during the year will pay a pro rata annual fee based on the whole months remaining in the financial year (FY). For more information, please refer to the RACDS Specialist Dental Practice (SDP) Handbook and other relevant policies (including refunds) which are available on the website.
Disclaimer Whilst all due care is taken to ensure that all information contained herein is correct at the time of publication, the RACDS makes no warranties in respect of inadvertent errors or omissions. The RACDS reserves the right to revise these fees and other information from time to time, as well as amend the dates of examinations, courses and workshops whenever conditions warrant. Where these activities are cancelled or postponed, a full refund of the fee will be issued. The RACDS however takes no responsibility for any other costs incurred by the candidate in this regard.

FAQs - Fellowship Examination (SDP)

What are the requirements for the Fellowship Examination in Specialist Dental Practice?

To be eligible for the Fellowship examination candidates must satisfy completion of the following:

• MRACDS(SDP)
• At least five years of specialist/restricted experience in the relevant discipline

When is the Fellowship examination held?                                   

The College Fellowship examinations are held annually in August. The location will be at the College offices in the Sydney CBD. It is likely you would be required to attend in person for 1 day. 

 

How and when are Assessments of Eligibility conducted?

The cut-off date to submit an application for Assessment of Eligibility is 1 April each year. This leaves enough time for the College to make an assessment of your qualifications and experience. 

The form you need to submit is the FSDP01 – Assessment of Eligibility to sit the Fellowship Examination in Specialist Dental Practice. The fees do change each year, so please refer to the College Fees.

As part of the Assessment of Eligibility to sit the Fellowship Examination form, you will be required to submit a CV and Clinical Logbook which details your specialist experience and achievements. See the SDP Handbook for specific requirements.

What happens after my eligibility is assessed?
If your Assessment of Eligibility application if approved, you will be invited to enrol in the examination and submit case reports by 1 May. The FSD902 – Enrolment for the Fellowship Examination form and fee applies.

Who covers the cost of my time in Sydney?

Each candidate is responsible for covering the costs associated with travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred while attending Sydney for an examination. Attendance will be no more than 1 day and all other parts of the process can be completed online. The College will be happy to provide general advice on location, accommodation and transport. 

What is the structure of the exam?

The Fellowship Exam is set at an advanced level and will require a broad and deep knowledge of the profession both theoretically and clinically.  A wide knowledge of international literature will be expected. The exam consists of a three-hour peer review in the form of a viva voce based on previously submitted case reports.

  

How will I be notified of the results?

The results of the examination will be published on the College website within a week of the exams taking place. A letter will also be sent to you advising of the results by e-mail.