The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) examination is a qualification route for eligible dentists seeking to pursue dental registration in the United Kingdom. Conducted by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the examination assesses candidates’ dental knowledge, clinical reasoning and practical skills.
Understanding the LDS exam, its eligibility criteria, syllabus and examination format can help candidates prepare effectively. This guide explains the main requirements, the structure of the examination and the application process. It also outlines practical steps to help candidates plan their preparation.
What Is the LDS Exam?
The LDS exam stands for the Licence in Dental Surgery examination. It is designed to assess whether candidates have the knowledge, judgement and clinical skills required to practise dentistry safely.
The examination is particularly relevant to eligible dental graduates who obtained their primary dental qualifications outside the United Kingdom. Passing the examination can provide a route towards registration with the General Dental Council (GDC), subject to meeting the applicable registration requirements.
Who Is Eligible to Take the LDS Exam?
Eligibility depends on the candidate’s primary dental qualification and the requirements applicable to each examination part. The route is particularly relevant to internationally qualified dentists whose qualifications do not permit direct full registration with the GDC.
What Happens After Passing the LDS Exam?
After passing all three parts, RCS England sends the successful candidate’s name to the GDC. Passing the examination does not automatically complete registration; candidates must satisfy the GDC’s applicable requirements.
LDS Exam Eligibility Requirements
The LDS exam eligibility criteria include qualification evidence and additional requirements that depend on the examination part. Candidates should prepare their documents before booking.
1. Primary Dental Qualification
Applicants must provide evidence of their primary dental qualification. The documentation required depends on where they studied and whether their qualification is recognised for UK registration.
Under the current regulations, graduates with overseas qualifications that are not recognised for full GDC registration generally need to provide qualification evidence and a UK ENIC (formerly NARIC) certificate, alongside supporting evidence relating to their dental education. The regulations specify the applicable exceptions.
2. Clinical Experience
Candidates must demonstrate at least 1,600 hours of clinical experience in which they personally treated patients in a dental chair before sitting Part 2. The experience can be gained during their dental degree, after qualification, or through a combination of both.
A completed LDS Clinical Reference Form is required as evidence. Candidates should ensure that their experience meets the official criteria before booking Part 2.
3. English Language Requirements
The LDS examination is conducted in English. Candidates must meet the English language requirements specified by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS England). The accepted English language tests include Academic IELTS and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), subject to the applicable criteria and exemptions.
For Academic IELTS, candidates must achieve an overall score of 7.0, with no individual component below 6.5. The IELTS result must normally be within two years of submission.
Alternatively, candidates can submit TOEFL results. The minimum required scores are an overall score of 5, with at least 4 in Reading, 4.5 in Listening, 4 in Speaking and 5 in Writing, using the TOEFL scoring scale specified in the current RCS England application guidance.
Candidates do not need to take an English language test if they meet any of the following criteria:
- EEA or EU nationality: They are citizens of a European Economic Area (EEA) or European Union (EU) country.
- UK residency or study: They have Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK, or they hold a recent dental degree (undergraduate or postgraduate) from a UK university.
- English-taught degrees: Their dental degree was taught and assessed entirely in English, and this qualification is recent.
- Work or background: They qualified in a country where English is the main language, or they have recent and continuous experience practicing dentistry in an English-speaking country.
4. Additional Documents
Depending on the examination part and the candidate’s circumstances, the required documents may include:
- A valid passport.
- Certificates and transcripts for the primary dental qualification.
- A UK ENIC/NARIC Statement of Comparability, where applicable.
- Proof of passing previous LDS examination parts.
- A clinical experience reference form.
- A Certificate or Letter of Good Standing from the relevant dental authority.
- A character reference form.
- Evidence of a name change, where applicable.
5. Certificate of Good Standing
Candidates applying for Part 2 must provide an original Certificate or Letter of Good Standing issued by the dental regulatory authority in the country where they last worked. It must confirm that they are legally entitled to practise dentistry and have not been suspended, disqualified or prohibited from practising.
The certificate must be no more than three months old at the time of application. If the candidate qualified in a different country from where they last worked, a separate Certificate or Letter of Good Standing from the dental authority in the country of qualification must also be submitted.
A registration certificate or annual practising certificate is not accepted as a substitute for a Certificate of Good Standing.
LDS Exam Structure and Format
The LDS exam format consists of three assessments. Candidates should understand the question types, timings and progression requirements before developing a study plan.
LDS Part 1: Written Examination
Part 1 is an online, remotely monitored examination consisting of two papers, each with 150 single best answer (SBA) questions.
| Paper | Main subject areas | Duration |
| Paper A | Clinically applied dental science and clinically applied human disease | 3 hours |
| Paper B | Clinical dentistry, law and ethics, and health and safety | 3 hours |
Important Part 1 Passing Requirement: Candidates must pass both Paper A and Paper B in the same examination sitting. If a candidate fails either paper, they must resit the entire Part 1 examination rather than retaking only the failed paper. Candidates are permitted a maximum of four attempts at Part 1.
LDS Part 2: Clinical Assessment
Part 2 is an in-person examination conducted over two days. It has two components:
- OSCE: 12 stations, each lasting 7 minutes, assessing communication and clinical skills.
- Structured Clinical Reasoning (SCR): Six cases, each lasting 20 minutes, assessing diagnosis, investigation selection, management and treatment planning.
The SCR format replaced the previous unseen-case examination in June 2026. Candidates must pass both components in the same sitting to pass Part 2.
LDS Part 3: Practical Clinical Skills
Part 3 is an in-person practical examination conducted over one day. It includes a 180-minute operative assessment on a dental mannequin to assess practical clinical dental skills.
Candidates must pass Parts 1 and 2 within the preceding five years to sit Part 3. The same five-year limit applies to the Part 1 pass when progressing to Part 2.
For the latest assessment details, consult the official LDS preparation guidance.
LDS Exam Syllabus
The LDS exam syllabus follows the General Dental Council’s Safe Practitioner Framework. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours of a safe dentist entering independent practice.
The main areas include:
- Clinical knowledge: Diagnosis, treatment planning and patient management.
- Clinical skills: Restorative dentistry, endodontics, periodontology and other relevant dental procedures.
- Communication: Explaining treatment options and communicating effectively with patients.
- Professionalism: Ethics, patient safety, infection control and clinical responsibility.
How to Apply for the LDS Exam
The LDS exam application process involves online booking, payment and submission of the required documents.
- Check the eligibility criteria for your intended examination part.
- Prepare the required certificates, identity documents and supporting evidence.
- Apply through the relevant RCS England examination page when booking opens.
- Pay the examination fee during booking.
- Submit the required documents within the specified deadline and follow the admission instructions.
The document submission deadlines vary depending on the examination part. For Part 1, candidates are advised to submit their supporting documents within one week of booking. For Part 2, the official application guidance recommends submitting all required documents at the time of online application, while the examination webpage specifies a deadline of two weeks after booking. For Part 3, candidates must submit proof of passing Parts 1 and 2 within two weeks of booking.
LDS Exam Fees and Attempts
The LDS exam fees vary by examination part and may change between sessions. The published fees for upcoming sessions include:
| Examination part | Published fee |
| Part 1 | £1,025 |
| Part 2 | £1,793 |
| Part 3 | £1,736 |
These are published session fees, not a guarantee of the price for every future sitting. Check the official LDS examination pages before booking.
Under the current regulations, candidates are allowed a maximum of four attempts at Part 1 and three attempts each at Parts 2 and 3. After successfully passing Part 1, candidates have five years to complete both Part 2 and Part 3. Both remaining examination parts must be passed within this five-year period.
How to Prepare for the LDS Exam
Effective LDS exam preparation should follow the official syllabus rather than rely solely on commercial notes or question banks.
- Part 1: Practise single best answer questions and revise the two papers’ subject areas.
- Part 2: Work through OSCE stations and structured clinical reasoning cases. Practise diagnosis, treatment planning and clear explanations.
- Part 3: Develop practical skills through supervised practice and timed clinical exercises relevant to the assessment.
LDS Exam Results and Registration
Results are normally communicated by email. RCS England currently advises candidates to expect Part 1 results around six weeks after the examination and Part 2 and Part 3 results around four weeks afterwards, followed by a more detailed breakdown.
After passing all three parts, candidates can apply for registration with the General Dental Council.
Final Thoughts
The LDS examination requires preparation across dental knowledge, clinical reasoning and practical skills. Candidates should confirm their eligibility, understand the format of each part and follow the official syllabus. Checking current fees, booking dates and regulations before applying can also help prevent avoidable delays.
Need support with your LDS exam journey? Saint Visage provides guidance and preparation support for overseas dentists pursuing the LDS examination. Contact our team to learn how we can support your preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the LDS Part 1 exam from outside the UK?
Yes. Part 1 is conducted online with remote monitoring, so candidates can sit it from another country if they have a suitable private space, reliable internet access and the required equipment. Candidates should check the official technical requirements before booking (Requirements may change with time).
Can I book LDS Part 2 before passing Part 1?
No. Under the LDS examination regulations effective from May 2026, candidates must pass Part 1 before applying for Part 2 and pass Part 2 before applying for Part 3. Candidates cannot enter more than one part at the same time.
What happens if I miss the deadline for submitting my eligibility documents?
For Part 1, candidates must email the required eligibility documents within one week after the closing date. Failure to submit them on time can result in withdrawal from the examination without a refund. Check the instructions for your specific examination part, as requirements may differ.
Can I request reasonable adjustments for the LDS exam?
Yes. Candidates who require adjustments because of a disability, dyslexia or a health condition can request them through the application process. Supporting evidence from an appropriate professional is required, and adjustments are limited to those supported by the submitted documentation. Candidates should apply early and consult the official reasonable adjustments policy.
Can I appeal if I fail an LDS examination part?
Candidates should consult the current LDS appeal regulations to understand the available process and deadlines. An appeal should not be assumed to provide a fresh assessment of an examiner’s clinical judgement. Candidates should read the applicable policy carefully before submitting an appeal.
