All candidates must have satisfactorily completed a suitable course of instruction in dental public health (or public health that includes dental public health), at a recognised institution in the United Kingdom or elsewhere at the discretion of the College. If a candidate has not completed a recognised masters course in dental public health or public health they may be required to provide evidence of the duration and content of the dental component of their course or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience (see Appendix I of the DDPH Regulations).

In addition all candidates must have held a primary dental qualification equivalent to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery for at least one year, which is registrable with the General Dental Council.

Part 1

Part 1 of the DDPH exam consists of two written papers. 

Paper 1 is a short answer paper of two hours duration. The paper consists of four questions. Candidates are expected to answer all the questions. The questions represent a range of subject areas from the syllabus, with relevance to both overseas and UK-resident candidates.

Paper 2 is also a short answer paper of two hours duration, normally held on the same day as Paper 1. The paper consists of four questions. Candidates are expected to answer all the questions.

Part 2

Part 2 of the DDPH is a structured clinical reasoning (SCR) assessment. The examination consists of four assessments and is of 80 minutes duration. Candidates will have 10 minutes preparation time followed by 10 minutes questioning with a different examiner for each SCR. Candidates may be asked questions on any part of the syllabus. The SCR provides candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate a broad range of knowledge.