What happens in the LDS Part 2 exam
The Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS RCS) Part 2 of the Royal College of Surgeons of England is the clinical examination leading to the diploma of LDS RCS Eng, which confers eligibility for full registration with the General Dental Council. Held in London for candidates who have passed LDS Part 1, it assesses Safe Beginner competence across four components: an operative test on a dental manikin, an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a Diagnostic and Treatment Planning (DTP) exercise, and a Medical Emergencies (ME) examination.
Checked against the official sources on 24 October 2026.
The parts, in order
Three-hour practical operative dental examination on a phantom head manikin assessing cavity preparation, restorative procedures, endodontic access and crown preparation.
A circuit of 5-minute OSCE stations (after reading time) assessing patient history taking, clinical communication, informed consent, breaking bad news, ethics, dental prescribing, radiography legislation and cross-infection control.
A two-stage clinical assessment comprising a 13-minute history consultation with a simulated patient followed by a 15-minute structured oral with two examiners reviewing radiographs, charting and phased treatment planning.
A 15-minute structured viva and practical assessment of the diagnosis and emergency management of acute medical collapses in the dental surgery alongside basic life support and airway management.
How it is marked
Each of the four LDS Part 2 components is marked separately against the GDC Preparing for Practice Safe Beginner learning outcomes and RCS England assessment regulations.
Passing
Candidates must pass every component of the LDS Part 2 examination at the standard of a newly qualified UK dental graduate. Candidates are permitted a maximum of four attempts at LDS Part 2 within five years of passing LDS Part 1.
Worth knowing
- MedMock practises the spoken components of LDS Part 2 — the five spoken OSCE station types, both stages of Diagnostic and Treatment Planning (Patient History and Examiner Oral), and the Medical Emergencies viva. The Dental Manikin operative test and physical resuscitation skills are hands-on and are not simulated.
Sources
- Royal College of Surgeons of England: Licence in Dental Surgery (LDS)
- General Dental Council: Preparing for Practice
Formats change. MedMock is not affiliated with any examining body; always check the current regulations on the official site before you book.
Practise the LDS Part 2 out loud
MedMock runs spoken LDS Part 2 practice with AI and marks every session. Start with a £5 taster: 30 credits: 30 minutes of speaking practice. One-off payment, no subscription.
Start with the £5 taster