FCD(SA) Part 1: The Complete Guide

The FCD(SA), Fellowship of the College of Dentistry of South Africa, is the national specialist qualification for three dental specialties awarded by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA): oral medicine and periodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics. Each specialty has its own fellowship, but all three begin with a Part 1 examination in the basic sciences. This guide explains what that shared Part 1 involves, where the specialties differ, who can sit it and how to prepare.

What is the FCD(SA) Part 1?

Part 1 is the primary examination that tests the biomedical sciences underpinning specialist dental practice: anatomy, embryology, histology and oral biology, physiology, and the principles of pathology including microbiology. It confirms that a dentist entering specialist training has the scientific depth needed to understand disease of the oral and maxillofacial region before moving on to the clinically focused Part 2. Part 2 must be passed within six years of passing Part 1.

FCD(SA) Part 1 format and structure

For all three specialties, Part 1 consists of three written papers. The College's Part 1 blueprints describe them as:

• One 3-hour paper on anatomy, embryology, histology and oral biology.
• One 3-hour paper on physiology.
• One 3-hour paper on the principles of pathology, including microbiology.
• Papers consist of MCQs and short questions, and all sections in the scope of the examination carry equal value.
• There is no oral examination at Part 1.
• If you fail one or two subjects, you receive credit for any subject passed with at least 50% and can rewrite only the failed subject(s), but this credit lasts for two examination periods only.

The orthodontics regulations group the content slightly differently, placing oral biology and craniofacial growth with physiology, and oral pathology with general pathology. If you are an orthodontic candidate, read the FCD(SA) Orthod regulations alongside the blueprint. Confirm the current format on the CMSA website when you apply.

Who can sit FCD(SA) Part 1?

For oral medicine and periodontics and for prosthodontics, the regulations require a qualification that entitles you to register as a dentist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. For orthodontics, you must be registered as an Independent Dental Practitioner with the HPCSA. In every case the CMSA Senate reviews applications and may consider professional and ethical standing. Many candidates sit Part 1 early in their registrar years, or while preparing to apply for a training post. Confirm the current requirements with the CMSA before you register.

FCD(SA) Part 1 syllabus: where to focus

The published scope is detailed and heavily weighted towards the head, neck and oral tissues, with general knowledge expected elsewhere. High-yield areas include:

• Head and neck anatomy: skull osteology, the temporomandibular joint, muscles of mastication, the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae, the oral cavity, salivary glands, cranial nerves, and blood supply and lymphatic drainage, including radiological anatomy.
• Embryology: the pharyngeal arches and pouches and their derivatives, development of the face, palate and tongue, tooth development, the periodontium, eruption and the temporomandibular joint.
• Histology and oral biology: enamel, dentine, cementum and pulp, the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, oral mucosa, bone and cartilage, cell biology and developmental syndromes of the head and neck.
• Physiology: cell function, neural and hormonal control, circulation, respiration, fluid balance, immunology, and oral physiology including saliva, chewing and swallowing, oral sensation and mineralisation.
• Pathology and microbiology: cell injury and death, inflammation, infection, tissue repair, neoplasia, genetic disorders and vascular disease.

The blueprint names recommended textbooks for each subject, which is a useful starting point for building your notes.

A realistic FCD(SA) Part 1 study plan

Most candidates prepare over several months. Because the subjects are examined separately and credit is limited in time, aim to pass all three at the first sitting.

• Phase one, one subject at a time, with overlap. Work through anatomy and embryology first, since head and neck anatomy underpins everything else, while starting light weekly physiology practice so it does not become a bottleneck later.
• Phase two, bring in pathology. Cover general pathology and microbiology systematically, linking each process to oral examples such as periodontal inflammation, wound healing after extraction, or odontogenic infection. Use questions after every topic.
• Phase three, practise both formats. Sit timed MCQ blocks and write short answers to time for each subject. Track your weakest subject and give it the largest share of your final revision.

Exam technique that earns marks

For MCQs, read the stem fully and decide on an answer before reading the options, then pick the best response rather than one that is merely true. For short questions, write structured answers with headings and labelled diagrams; a clear diagram of the pharyngeal arch derivatives or the periodontal attachment often earns marks faster than paragraphs of text. Because every section carries equal value, do not overinvest in a favourite topic at the expense of the rest. Plan your time per question according to its marks and leave a few minutes at the end of each paper to review.

The best way to revise for FCD(SA) Part 1

Active recall beats rereading for a syllabus this detailed. Question practice that mirrors the CMSA style, explains the anatomy, physiology or pathology behind every answer, and shows your performance subject by subject is the most efficient way to see whether you are ready for all three papers.

Combine that with regular short-answer practice, because the papers also include short questions. Writing a timed answer on a topic you have just covered in MCQs is a quick way to find out whether you can explain it clearly, not just recognise it.

Passmed's FCD(SA) Part 1 question bank is written by qualified clinicians, mapped to the CMSA dentistry basic-sciences blueprint, and pairs detailed explanations with performance tracking across anatomy, physiology and pathology. Explore the FCD(SA) Part 1 question bank →

Frequently asked questions

Is FCD(SA) Part 1 the same for all three dental specialties?

All three specialties sit three 3-hour written papers in the basic sciences. The orthodontics regulations group some content differently, so orthodontic candidates should check their own regulations.

What question types are used?

The College's blueprints state that the papers consist of MCQs and short questions, with all sections of the scope carrying equal value.

Can I keep credit for a subject I pass?

Yes, for subjects passed with at least 50%, but only for two examination periods. After that, the whole examination must be retaken.

How long do I have to pass Part 2 after Part 1?

The regulations require Part 2 to be passed within six years of passing Part 1.

Exam format details were checked against the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (accessed October 2026). Regulations, dates and fees change, always confirm the current details on the CMSA website before you sit.