Training Requirements

The majority of Consultants in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in the United Kingdom, qualified in dentistry before qualifying in medicine. The speciality is, however, open to trainees qualifying first in medicine and then obtaining a qualification in dentistry.

The majority of dental graduates will obtain an MFDS before or during their medical training. However, an MFDS is not a requirement for entry into specialist training, and is in the process of being replaced by the MJDS, with the first sitting in October 2007.

The requirement for entry into specialist training prior to MMC was to  fulfil the requirements to sit the MRCS. Specialist training is a continuum lasting five years with an exit FRCS examination taken towards the completion of specialist training. This, together with successful RITA outcomes, allows the Specialist Registrar to be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery and, therefore, be eligible for appointment as a Consultant in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and with registration with the GMC and GDC appear in the specialist list in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery held by the GMC.

Interface groups in relation to cleft lip and palate and head and neck surgery have developed competitive entry fellowships in these sub-speciality interests.

The advent of MMC (Modernising Medical Careers) sees the appointment of Surgical Trainees (STs) from August 2007, the grade which will allow for run through training, and replace the Specialist Registrar grade.

There are training programmes in academic Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, where a medical qualification is not mandatory.The specialist list in Oral Surgery is held by the General Dental Council.Many in this group hold staff and associate specialist appointments in oral surgery in hospital units, whilst some hold academic posts attached to Dental Schools.