LDS Examiner
The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS) is one of the most important steps for dentists who aspire to practise in the UK. As an LDS examiner, you’ll play a vital role in ensuring that candidates meet the GDC standards to be a qualified UK dentist.
We’ll provide full examiner training, so you can approach the role with confidence. It’s an opportunity to share your expertise, grow your portfolio, and join a respected community committed to upholding the standards of dental practice in the UK.
Apply to become an LDS Examiner
Who can apply
We’re looking for experienced dental professionals who can bring insight and integrity to the assessment process. To apply, you should:
- Hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree (or local equivalent)
- Be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC)
- Currently be practising dentistry and/or clinical teaching
- Have experience in teaching and/or examining at undergraduate level and/or supervising dental foundation trainees
We’re looking for professionals who also have:
- Three years of post-qualification experience
- High professional standards, competence in and loyalty to the dental profession
- Demonstrable commitment to the exam process
- Willingness to participate in ongoing assessment, training and development
- A strong commitment to equality and diversity, and high levels of integrity and professional standards
- Knowledge and understanding of the GDC standards for registration of a newly qualified UK dentist
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
What to expect as an LDS Examiner
LDS is made up of three exams:
- LDS Part 1: A remote online exam consisting of a series of Single Best Answer (SBA) questions.
- LDS Part 2: A face-to-face exam consisting of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and Structured Clinical Reasoning (SCR) component.
- LDS Part 3: A face-to-face practical exam assessing operative skills in a simulated environment.
We are seeking examiners for Part 2 and Part 3.
As an LDS examiner, you’ll assess candidates’ clinical competence and professional judgement – and may contribute to question development and mark scheme refinement.
Responsibilities
- Assessing candidates during LDS exams.
- Attending examiner training and question-writing sessions.
- Contributing to maintaining high assessment standards for dental exams.
- Leading on the refinement of the mark scheme for the exam that you are assigned to.
- Upholding the College’s commitment to equality and diversity.
- Adhering to the College’s Code of Conduct, reflecting the values and professionalism expected of all examiners.
Time commitment
- You will need to commit to examining for a minimum of three days per year.
- You will be required to attend an annual training and question-writing day. The next training day is 31 January 2026.
Please only apply if you can commit to the required time and attend in-person activities.
Location
We currently hold LDS Part 2 at RCS England in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, and LDS Part 3 at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in Mile End. These locations may change in the future.
The benefits of being an Examiner
- Professional recognition: enhance your reputation as a dental examiner.
- Career development: gain experience that supports progression into other dental education leadership roles, such as an examiner lead or deputy.
- Networking: connect with peers across the dental education community.
Terms of the post
- Examiners are overseen by the Faculty of Dental Surgery exams team.
- Successful applicants will hold the role for six years. You may be invited to extend your post for another two years following this.
- Your appointment will be reviewed periodically.
- You will receive honorarium for each day that you examine. You will also be reimbursed for your travel expenses, in line with our expenses policy.
Apply to become an LDS Examiner
- Complete the LDS Examiner application form by 10 December 2025.
- Your application will be reviewed by the College.
- If appointed, you’ll need to complete equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) as part of your induction training.
Contact us
If you have any questions about becoming an LDS Examiner, email dentalexams@rcseng.ac.uk and we’ll be happy to help.