Training Pathway Overview
Do note that as of November 2026, for the August 2027 intake, specialty training in OMFS will be moved to an ST1-intake only - all current ST3 posts will be converted to ST1. The new training system will be divided into Stage 1 (Pre-MRCS and pre-core competencies, SHO grade) and Stage 2 (Post-MRCS and Core competencies, SpR Grade), moving away from time-based and towards competency based progression.
The OMFS training pathway can seem quite daunting, but hopefully this page will help you make sense of it! If you have any specific questions please contact your rep or contact the JTG!
📌 OMFS training is no longer than other surgical specialties!
A really common misconception is that OMFS takes miles longer than other surgical specialties. This is a myth! - the summary is that OMFS registrars on average are no older than registrars in other specialties!
I have my Dental Degree. When should I do medicine?
Option 1 - Immediately post-graduation
If you have not worked in OMFS after graduating it is difficult to argue in favour of proceeding directly to medical school. Allowing time to work in Dentistry and OMFS prior to applying will give you both an insight into the job, confirm for yourself that you really do want to do it, and the advantage of being able to earn money whilst studying your second degree. If you do not proceed to Dental Foundation Training at this point you may struggle to re-enter the training pathway and gain a performers number if you decide to return to dental practice.
Option 2 - Post Dental Foundation Training
Having completed DFT and gained a performers number gives you the ability to work in dental practice and earn whilst studying your second degree. At this point in your career it is probable that you have very little OMFS experience and it would be advisable to gain experience before committing to a second degree.
Option 3 - Post Dental Core Training
Unless you are considering a change of career to another Medical or Surgical specialty it is advantageous to have experienced working in OMFS at DCT level. It will give you an insight into the scope and breadth of the specialty, exposure to the training pathway and lifestyle, as well as expanding options for work during your second degree.
I have my Medical Degree, when should I do dentistry?
Option 1 - Immediately post-graduation
If you have not completed your Foundation training you cannot gain GMC registration and cannot work as a doctor. OMFS training requires you to have gained Foundation competencies and, whilst there are alternative routes to gaining these, the simplest is to complete Foundation training prior to dental school. It is worth trying to get experience in OMFS during this time as it will help you to confirm whether the speciality is what you really want to do. Some Deaneries offer Foundation posts in OMFS Departments and it is worth inquiring with Health Education England, though organising a taster week in OMFS might be ideal! - Find a local unit to help you out!
Option 2 - Post Foundation Training
This is the first 'natural gap' in medical training and is an opportune time to apply to study dentistry if you are set on a career in OMFS. Ensuring you have had some experience of OMFS will make your dental school application more compelling. Consider funding and the time you have had to save up for your second degree. Upon graduation you will be eligible to apply for run-through training should you wish. Starting from the 2027 application cycle (i.e. application submitted in November 2026 for a 2027 August start), all OMFS specialty training applications will be at ST1 level, reducing the prior advantage of post-CST applying to ST3 - but conversely also reducing the competition ratio for ST1 given the increased numbers.
Option 3 - Post Core Surgical Training
This is the second 'natural gap' in medical training to apply for dental school. The advantages will be that you will have your Core competencies, your MRCS, and more experience in surgical specialties. Having achieved core surgical competencies, you may be due to be fast-tracked from Stage 1 to Stage 2 in specialty training following your first ARCP - but it does however still mean a slightly longer route of training.
Getting into second degree
Whether your primary degree is medicine or dentistry, you’ll eventually have to do both. Click the buttons below for a list of university courses and their entrance requirements.
