MY MJDF EXAM EXPERIENCE LILY DUFFY BDS IS IN HER SECOND YEAR OF LONGITUDINAL DENTAL FOUNDATION TRAINING ON THE YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER SCHEME. SHE SPLITS HER TIME BETWEEN A DENTAL PRACTICE IN YORK AND YORK HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WORKS IN MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY. IN APRIL, LILY SAT PART 1 OF THE MJDF EXAMS AND WILL SIT PART 2 THIS MONTH
Why I chose the MJDF As a Foundation Dentist, I felt it was important to sit the MJDF exam for a number of reasons. Firstly, the MJDF is specifically designed to assess competencies outlined in the Foundation Training curriculum, and is an ideal assessment of the skills and knowledge that you are expected to develop as a Foundation Dentist. Holding this diploma allows you to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the qualities needed to provide appropriate patient care. The exam also assesses skills that bridge the divide between primary and secondary care, making the MJDF a good stepping-stone towards further training or specialisation. For anyone considering this, holding the diploma is extremely desirable as these posts are highly competitive. It allows you to stand out from your peers and prove your commitment to your career. For those who plan on staying in primary care, the MJDF is still an excellent addition to your CV, demonstrating your knowledge and your dedication to the profession.
About the MJDF The Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (MJDF) is an examination, developed and run jointly by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) with the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS). It is the only examination of its type that recognises and examines the skills and knowledge dentists use in practice. Since its inception, the MJDF has grown the reputation within the profession as the marker of the successful completion of foundation training. Over 1,800 dentists sat MJDF examinations in the past 12 months. The MJDF consists of two parts. Part 1 is a written paper, which includes multiple choice questions. Part 2 involves an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a structured clinical reasoning exercise. To find out more about the MJDF, visit www.mjdf.org.uk.
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In addition, a membership with the joint dental faculties has many advantages, such as access to courses, journals, research and more. Also, the MJDF is unique, as after six years you can choose which faculty to affiliate with – this means support from both primary and secondary care is available throughout your career.
How I prepared I found the ‘PasTest’ series of books invaluable for Part 1, with many questions appearing in a similar format in the exam. For Part 2, I plan on practising objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and practical scenarios (mainly from finals and past questions). I will also attend a revision session held by the FGDP(UK). These are run by MJDF tutors and are designed to provide an understanding of the exam, with helpful scenarios and mock assessments. The MJDF website provides useful information for candidates, including exam dates and past questions.
What I’ve learned I found the revision I did for Part 1 helped refresh things I felt I had forgotten since finals, and my transition into foundation training was less daunting. Part 2 is more of a practical assessment, and revising for it has made me more aware and conscientious of my current skills and certain areas I could develop. I would encourage any prospective candidates to sit the exam soon after university. Finals knowledge will be relatively fresh, and Part 1 should be straightforward to prepare for. Part 2 covers practical knowledge, which you will develop throughout your foundation year. For all dentists and all career pathways, the diploma is extremely valuable and I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it! I have found the exam process hugely beneficial to my current and future career. For current candidates, I wish you all the best for the exams!
P R I M A R Y D E N TA L J O U R N A L
Why I chose the MJDF As a Foundation Dentist, I felt it was important to sit the MJDF exam for a number of reasons. Firstly, the MJDF is specifically designed to assess competencies outlined in the Foundation Training curriculum, and is an ideal assessment of the skills and knowledge that you are expected to develop as a Foundation Dentist. Holding this diploma allows you to demonstrate that you have an understanding of the qualities needed to provide appropriate patient care. The exam also assesses skills that bridge the divide between primary and secondary care, making the MJDF a good stepping-stone towards further training or specialisation. For anyone considering this, holding the diploma is extremely desirable as these posts are highly competitive. It allows you to stand out from your peers and prove your commitment to your career. For those who plan on staying in primary care, the MJDF is still an excellent addition to your CV, demonstrating your knowledge and your dedication to the profession.
About the MJDF The Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (MJDF) is an examination, developed and run jointly by the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) with the Faculty of Dental Surgery (FDS). It is the only examination of its type that recognises and examines the skills and knowledge dentists use in practice. Since its inception, the MJDF has grown the reputation within the profession as the marker of the successful completion of foundation training. Over 1,800 dentists sat MJDF examinations in the past 12 months. The MJDF consists of two parts. Part 1 is a written paper, which includes multiple choice questions. Part 2 involves an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a structured clinical reasoning exercise. To find out more about the MJDF, visit www.mjdf.org.uk.
72
In addition, a membership with the joint dental faculties has many advantages, such as access to courses, journals, research and more. Also, the MJDF is unique, as after six years you can choose which faculty to affiliate with – this means support from both primary and secondary care is available throughout your career.
How I prepared I found the ‘PasTest’ series of books invaluable for Part 1, with many questions appearing in a similar format in the exam. For Part 2, I plan on practising objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and practical scenarios (mainly from finals and past questions). I will also attend a revision session held by the FGDP(UK). These are run by MJDF tutors and are designed to provide an understanding of the exam, with helpful scenarios and mock assessments. The MJDF website provides useful information for candidates, including exam dates and past questions.
What I’ve learned I found the revision I did for Part 1 helped refresh things I felt I had forgotten since finals, and my transition into foundation training was less daunting. Part 2 is more of a practical assessment, and revising for it has made me more aware and conscientious of my current skills and certain areas I could develop. I would encourage any prospective candidates to sit the exam soon after university. Finals knowledge will be relatively fresh, and Part 1 should be straightforward to prepare for. Part 2 covers practical knowledge, which you will develop throughout your foundation year. For all dentists and all career pathways, the diploma is extremely valuable and I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it! I have found the exam process hugely beneficial to my current and future career. For current candidates, I wish you all the best for the exams!
P R I M A R Y D E N TA L J O U R N A L
