Membership
Membership of the British College of Dental Implant Surgery
The College recognises clinicians in implant dentistry through a graded structure of professional membership — from Affiliate to Fellow — earned by qualification, examination and demonstrated contribution to the field.
The membership grades
Every grade is a professional membership designation of the College. Three grades are earned by qualification; three are earned by contribution and standing.
Earned by qualification
Open to any registered dentist (GDC, or a recognised overseas regulator). Affiliates join the community of the College — the BCDIS Forum, events and open days, and news of courses and CPD.
The College’s award of Associate membership, for holders of the BCDIS Certificate in Implant Dentistry — the College’s own award.
The College’s award of Membership, for holders of the EduQual Diploma in Implant Dentistry (SCQF Level 11) — or a comparable qualification at that level, together with a pass in the College’s own examination as an external candidate.
Earned by contribution and standing
For distinguished contribution to implant dentistry or to the College. Associate Fellowship recognises clinicians, educators and academics whose contribution is real and evidenced, but who do not meet — or do not yet meet — the full Fellowship criteria. By application or nomination, assessed by the Fellowship Committee.
The senior grade of the College. Two routes: progression from Membership with a portfolio, or direct election for established clinicians who have led in the field.
About Fellowship →Conferred by invitation of the Board only, in recognition of exceptional contribution to the field of implant dentistry. There is no assessment and no fee, and Honorary Fellowship may recognise figures beyond the College — and beyond clinical practice.
How membership works
By qualification
Associate and Member grades follow from the College’s qualifications — the BCDIS Certificate in Implant Dentistry and the EduQual Diploma in Implant Dentistry (SCQF Level 11).
By examination
Clinicians holding a comparable qualification elsewhere may join as Members by passing the College’s examination as external candidates.
By contribution & standing
Associate Fellowship recognises distinguished, evidenced contribution; Members advance to Fellowship with a portfolio; established clinicians may be elected Fellows directly.
Recognised on the register
Every Associate, Member and Fellow who consents appears on the College’s public register, and each certificate carries a QR code that verifies the entry.
What membership is — and is not
An honest note on standing
Membership grades — ABCDIS, MBCDIS, AFBCDIS, FBCDIS and Hon FBCDIS — are professional membership designations of the College. They are not academic qualifications recognised for GDC registration, and they do not confer specialist status: the General Dental Council holds no specialist list in implant dentistry.
Members display their postnominal separately from their academic qualifications, in accordance with the College’s guidance on using your postnominal and GDC guidance on ethical advertising.
The BCDIS Register
The College keeps a public register of its Associates, Members and Fellows. The first Foundation Fellows appear there now, and every consenting entry joins them as grades are awarded — searchable, and linked from the QR code on each certificate we issue.
Joining, and the BCDIS Forum
Applications for membership are made here on this website — apply for membership. Subscriptions and payments are handled in the College’s separate member portal; no account or payment data is handled on this website.
Join the conversation on WhatsApp.
The BCDIS Forum is our free WhatsApp community for dentists — case discussions, course news, open days and CPD announcements, alongside BCDIS faculty and delegates. Tap to join on your phone, or scan the code from another screen.
Join the BCDIS ForumWhatsApp is a third-party service; when you join, your WhatsApp profile — including your phone number — is visible to other members of the group.
