Use of FGDP postnominals

The following information clarifies the use of FGDP postnominals following its transfer to the College of General Dentistry, and includes a range of examples to illustrate correct usage.
 
Postnominals denoting qualifications
The right to use postnominal letters which show qualifications which were awarded by the Faculty of General Dental Practice UK and/or Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS Eng) was not affected by the transfer of the FGDP(UK) into the College of General Dentistry (CGDent) on 1 July 2021. Neither the name nor specific postnominal designation of any award changed as a result of the transfer. Such awards include:

• Diploma in Implant Dentistry Dip Imp Dent RCS (Eng)
• Diploma in Restorative Dentistry Dip Rest Dent RCS (Eng)

Example 1: Jane Smith is a dentist who holds a BDS and has completed both an MClinDent and the FGDP(UK) Diploma in Implant Dentistry. She has never been a member of the FGDP, CGDent or another organisation offering recognised membership post-nominal letters. Her correct full professional title remains as it was prior to the transfer of FGDP into CGDent, i.e. “Jane Smith BDS, MClinDent, Dip Imp Dent (RCS Eng)”

Postnominals denoting membership
In line with the above, if you were a member or fellow of FGDP, you may continue to use those postnominals where an FGDP or RCS England award qualified you for membership or fellowship of the Faculty – typically diplomas of membership or fellowship.

• Diploma of Membership of FGDP(UK) Dip.MFGDP(UK)    
• Diploma of Fellowship of FGDP(UK) Dip.FFGDP(UK)    
• Diploma of Membership of the Joint Dental Faculties (RCS England) Dip.MJDF(RCS Eng)    
• Diploma in General Dental Practice (RCS England) DGDP(RCS Eng)
• Diploma of Membership in General Dental Surgery (RCS England) Dip.MGDS(RCS Eng)

However, those postnominal letters which convey ongoing membership or fellowship of the FGDP(UK) – as distinct from qualifying awards – should no longer be used as the FGDP is no longer the title of an ongoing institution. These include MFGDP(UK) or FFGDP(UK).
 
These are superseded by postnominal letters conveying ongoing membership or fellowship of the CGDent (e.g. MCGDent and FCGDent). Your membership or fellowship did not, however, transfer automatically between the organisations. The College recognises membership or fellowship of FGDP(UK) as giving eligibility for equivalent status in CGDent, and you will need to show evidence of your former FGDP status when you join the College.

Example 2: Ram Patel holds a BDS and the RCS Diploma in General Dental Practice, and he was previously awarded Fellowship of the FGDP. He transferred to CGDent in 2021 and remains a paid-up Fellow. Up to July 2021, he styled himself “Ram Patel BDS, DGDP (RCS Eng), FFGDP(UK)”. His correct title since 31 July 2021 is “Ram Patel BDS, DGDP(RCS Eng), Dip.FFGDP(UK), FCGDent”.

Example 3: Nadia Hakim holds a BDS, completed the MJDF, became a member of FGDP and was later awarded Fellowship. When FGDP separated from the RCS in 2021, she did not make an election to transfer to CGDent and her membership lapsed. Up to July 2021, her title was “Nadia Hakim BDS, Dip.MJDF (RCS Eng), FFGDP(UK)”. Her correct professional title since 31 July 2021 is “Nadia Hakim BDS, Dip.MJDF(RCS Eng), Dip.FFGDP(UK)”. However she remains automatically eligible for Fellowship of CGDent, and if she joins, her full title would be Nadia Hakim BDS, Dip.MJDF(RCS Eng), Dip.FFGDP(UK), FCGDent”.

Honorary awards
Honorary memberships and honorary fellowships of FGDP (Hon.MFGDP(UK), Hon.FFGDP(UK)) are considered awards rather than denoting substantive/ongoing membership/fellowship, and may therefore continue to be used, and neither the name nor specific postnominal designation associated with such awards has changed, regardless of the fact that FGDP no longer exists nor that CGDent awards its own honorary memberships and honorary fellowships. CGDent publishes the names of those given honorary awards by the FGDP.

Example 4: John McDonald’s impressive academic achievements and contributions to professional development were recognised with Honorary Fellowship of the FGDP. As a dental therapist he was not eligible for substantive membership of the FGDP but had joined as an Affiliate Member, but when CGDent opened its doors he qualified as a Full Member and has since become an Associate Fellow. Up to July 2021, he used the professional title “John McDonald DHDT, FFGDP(UK)(Hon.)”. After 31 July 2021 he became “John McDonald DHDT, FFGDP(Hon.), MCGDent”, and he is now “John McDonald DHDT, FFGDP(Hon.), AssocFCGDent”.

Dental professionals practising in the UK should also be aware that the use of postnominals in a patient-facing context is covered by General Dental Council guidance on advertising.

The examples above are fictitious and do not refer to real individuals.