What is the M Imp Dent exam?

The Membership in Implant Dentistry (M Imp Dent) is an independent examination that aims to provide external validation of your implant training against standards set by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCS Ed).

The exam is aimed at the level of a minimally competent general dental practitioner undertaking implant dentistry, so it is applicable to all dentists involved in placing and/or restoring implants. The exam is pitched at a straightforward entry level of implant dentistry.

Scope and standards

The learning outcomes and the scope of the exam is aligned to the College of General Dentistry (CG Dent) UK’s Training Standards in Implant Dentistry (TSID). These standards were developed in 2005 and have been revised periodically to ensure patient safety and protection.

They outline the training that should be undertaken to carry out implant dentistry safely, but also the standards that should be met by training courses themselves. In the UK, the TSID serve as a reference point for the General Dental Council in considering patient complaints against dentists who have allegedly practised implant dentistry in the UK without the necessary competence.

There have been many implant training programmes available over the last decade, ranging from short courses through to diplomas and MSc programmes that have allowed general dental practitioners to develop their knowledge and skills in implant dentistry.

Unfortunately, courses do vary in their quality, with some being face-to-face, some online and some taking a hybrid approach. After completing these programmes and taking an internal assessment, the dentist is awarded the qualification - but often without any formal external validation.

A study by Kim and Stagnell (2018) showed that while the development of TSID guidelines has led to a significant improvement in the quality of postgraduate education in implant dentistry in the UK, not all courses are fully compliant with these guidelines - and dentists undertaking training programmes may not be aware of this.

The M Imp Dent allows dentists to independently demonstrate to a group of peer experts that they have met the minimum required standard for patient safety and good clinical practice, as set out by the TSID. In turn, it provides reassurance to dentists and any other interested parties that their training has met a minimum standard deemed necessary for the safe practice of implant dentistry in the UK and internationally.

It also offers enrolment with the world recognised and prestigious RCS Ed at a Membership level, and recipients can use the post nominals M Imp Dent RCS Ed.

What is the exam format?

The exam is a summative assessment of the knowledge base, planning, clinical judgement, communication and practical skills that underpin independent dental implant practice.

It tests the candidate's ability to apply the above skills at a level expected of a safe, well-informed general dental practitioner with a particular interest in implant dentistry. It is set at a basic level, including aspects of minor augmentation, but does not intend to assess competency or the detailed knowledge of the more advanced procedures - for example, major bone grafting and external sinus lift surgery, full arch reconstructions and treatment planning with computerised software.

The exam comprises two written papers with single best answer questions, usually taking place on day one, followed by two ten-station OSCE circuits. Ten stations focus on practical skills related to implant dentistry and the other ten stations are on communication skills.

Finally, there is a structured oral examination based on eight unseen cases. Candidates will have some time to read over the material for these cases and gather their thoughts before being examined.

How can candidates best prepare for the examination?

It is important to emphasise that the exam is not the endpoint of any particular training programme. There are also no courses that are formally affiliated to this exam.

It's not essential to have completed any particular course, and candidates may have acquired their training through multiple CPD courses, self-directed learning and the use of a mentor. If the candidate has completed a modular course and obtained a diploma or an MSc, they should be well prepared for the exam.

The RCS Ed has an accreditation programme for courses where the advisory board in implant dentistry for RCS Ed will look at the curriculum of the course and verify if it meets the learning outcomes for the M Imp Dent examination. Taking an accredited course does not guarantee the candidate will be successful in the exam, but doing so should reassure them that they are covering material that will help prepare them for the exam.

The candidate should start by reading the self-declaration form. This gives an outline of what the advisory board feel is important for the candidate to have completed before sitting the M Imp Dent.

They should then download the learning outcomes document and work through each component to make sure they are comfortable with each of the descriptors. Both of these documents are available to download from the RCS Ed website.

Once both of these elements have been fulfilled, the candidate should be in a good position to consider applying for the examination.