Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS)

The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) is the oldest continuously existing dental qualification in the United Kingdom. Begun in 1860, under a charter by HM Queen Victoria in The 1858 Medical Act, it granted the Royal College of Surgeons the power to institute and hold examinations for the purpose of testing the fitness of persons to practise as dentists and to grant certificates of such fitness.

• Regulations
• Application form
• Re-Application form
• Application guidance for candidates
• General guidance for candidates
• OSCE guidance for candidates
• Unseen guidance for candidates
• Dental manikin guidance for candidates
• Dental manikin list of commonly used items
• Candidate instructions specimen
• Suggested reading
• Learning outcomes
• Frequently asked questions
• Diversity monitoring form
• Malpractice policy
• Examinations appeals procedure
• Examination complaints procedure

We will only accept the following number of candidates.

LDS part 1 – 80 candidates

LDS part 2 – 40 candidates

Candidates must pass part 2 within five years of passing part 1. Up to four attempts are allowed for each part of the examination.  Four is the maximum number of attempts permitted and not the minimum number of attempts guaranteed. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and you may be unable to secure four part 2 places in five years. Candidates are advised to prepare well for the examination, and aim to pass on the first or second attempt.

It is a candidate’s responsibility to apply for resits. Candidates who fail to apply for the earliest available resit opportunity will manage fewer attempts in the 5 years than candidates who re-apply promptly.

Please do not contact the Exams Department until you have received confirmation from the examinations department in regards to your application any incomplete applications will be sent back.

All applications must be received by 5pm on the closing date. Please read the examination guidance page before applying for any examination.

Exam Dates

The following dates have been set for the LDS exam in 2013. (All dates are subject to change)

LDS Part 1

LDS Part 2