There has been a FGDP(UK) primary diploma study group in Glasgow for more than ten years. Iain Hunter ran the group when the exam was in its original form (the DGDP[UK]) and Gordon Meek took over the reins as the exam evolved into the MFGDP(UK). Next year will be the first year the group will work towards the new intercollegiate MJDF exam.
In 2002/2003 we took over the group. For the first two years we had as many as 50 people at our study evenings, and, while this demonstrated a healthy interest in the exam, the sheer numbers proved unmanageable for two tutors. Also, the participants ranged from the very keen to those who were just collecting CPD hours and not interested in sitting the exam. The number of candidates meant we were unable to give the one-to-one tutoring that has proved so successful in the study groups down in London and Manchester.
Logistically, things had to change, and we decided that we would limit numbers for the 2005/2006 study group to fifteen candidates, selecting applicants who genuinely wanted to sit the exam. We insisted on a 5:1 tutor-to-candidate ratio and this has allowed us to concentrate our efforts in a more determined group, which has proved far more productive. We also charged £500 for the year. 11 of the 15 candidates handed in their portfolios for assessment by the 22 December deadline, a success rate we could only have dreamed of two years previously. Last year in 2006/2007 we had 17 out of 19 candidate sumit coursework for the December deadline.
in 2006/2007 we also witnessed the rebirth of the Edinburgh study group. Such was their enthusiasm, the group went on to reform the East of Scotland Division of the FGDP(UK). Their recent AGM was a huge success with a new committee elected, a fully subscribed study group for 2007/2008 and a waiting list for 2008/2009. Well done Jonny and the gang.
This year will also see our first North of Scotland study group based in Aberdeen. Aidan McKenna and Chris Reeks will be running it. We wish them the same success as the Edinburgh group.
We feel this clearly demonstrates a growing appetite for structured postgraduate training within general dental practice. Something the FGDP(UK), with the career pathway, is ideally placed to do.
If you are interested in joining your local study group, please go to the divisional pages on this website for more information regarding your local group.
Conor O'Malley BDS, MFGDP(UK), MSc, MGDS, FFGDP(UK) 
Study Group Coordinator