The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) exam remains one of the key pathways for dentists—particularly overseas-qualified professionals—seeking full registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). With dentistry evolving rapidly, the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS Eng) has announced an updated LDS exam structure that will take effect from May 2026. This change aims to ensure the exam more accurately reflects modern clinical expectations and the competencies required of a safe, independent practitioner in the UK.
Why the LDS Exam Matters
The LDS provides a route to GDC registration for dentists who wish to practise in the UK but have qualifications from outside the EEA or individuals who require an assessment of their competence. The exam has traditionally assessed candidates across three components: written knowledge, clinical skills, and practical operative ability.
What the Current Structure Looks Like
Until the transition in 2026 is complete, the LDS exam consists of three parts:
Part 1
Two written SBA papers covering applied dental science, human disease, clinical dentistry, law, ethics, health and safety, and cross-infection control.
Part 2
A two-day assessment comprising an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and an “Unseen Case” exam, which tests diagnostic ability and treatment planning.
Part 3
A one-day, hands-on operative exam completed on a dental manikin to demonstrate technical skill and manual dexterity.
What’s Changing in 2026
Beginning in May 2026, the LDS exam structure will be modernised to align with updated professional frameworks and to create clearer, more consistent assessment criteria.
Updated Parts 1 and 3
Parts 1 and 3 will be refreshed to match the new educational outcomes expected of dental professionals in the UK. While still assessing knowledge and operative skills, the content and learning outcomes will be more closely aligned with contemporary UK clinical practice.
A Major Update to Part 2
The most significant change is the transformation of Part 2.
The traditional “Unseen Case” exam will be replaced by a new Structured Clinical Reasoning (SCR) examination.
Part 2 will now include:
OSCE – assessing communication, clinical judgement, emergency management, and patient-facing skills.
SCR Exam – a six-case, examiner-led assessment designed to evaluate diagnostic reasoning, risk assessment, and evidence-based treatment planning.
This separation ensures that practical clinical skills (OSCE) and strategic thinking (SCR) are assessed distinctly and more robustly.
Why these changes are so Important
Greater alignment with UK training standards: The new structure mirrors the competencies expected of UK dental graduates.
Clearer assessment focus: By distinguishing communication skills from clinical reasoning, candidates can prepare more effectively.
Improved fairness and consistency: Structured examiner-candidate interactions in the SCR reduce variability and enhance reliability.
Future-proof design: The exam is more adaptable to advancements in digital dentistry, updated guidelines, and evolving patient-care expectations.
What Candidates Should Do Now
Review the updated LDS exam documentation released by RCS England.
Begin preparing for the revised structure—especially the new SCR component.
Adjust study plans to balance knowledge revision, clinical reasoning practice, and communication skill development.
If sitting before 2026, remain mindful of the current structure and timelines.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming LDS exam changes represent a positive shift toward clarity, fairness, and alignment with modern dental practice. For dentists planning to register in the UK, understanding these updates early will make preparation more strategic and significantly more effective.