Showcase Your Skills in Surgery and Dentistry. Compete for National Recognition
Do you have the surgical or dental skills to stand out among your peers? The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (ºìÐÓÊÓƵ) invites medical and dental students across the UK and Ireland to compete in our flagship national competitions. This is your chance to sharpen your skills, gain recognition and take a major step towards your future career.
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ National Surgical Skills Competition
The ºìÐÓÊÓƵ national surgical skills competition offers medical students the opportunity to demonstrate their surgical skills through a series of tests, competing against their peers from across the UK in a national setting.
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ºìÐÓÊÓƵ National Dental Skills Competition
The ºìÐÓÊÓƵ national dental skills competition offers dental students from across the UK and Ireland the chance to demonstrate their dental skills and represent their dental school in a national competition.
Learn moreAbout the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Skills Competitions
ºìÐÓÊÓƵ proudly hosts two prestigious competitions:
- National Surgical Skills Competition - for medical students to demonstrate practical surgical ability.
- National Dental Skills Competition - for dental students to showcase technical precision and creativity.
Each competition begins with regional heats at participating universities, where students complete hands-on tasks designed to test dexterity, decision-making, and clinical skill. Top medical students advance to the Grand Final at ºìÐÓÊÓƵ in Edinburgh, where they compete for prizes and national recognition.
Why Enter the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Surgical and Dental Skills Competitions?
- Boost your CV and career prospects with recognition from one of the world’s oldest surgical colleges.
- Win prizes, including cash awards, surgical or dental equipment, and free Student Affiliate Membership with ºìÐÓÊÓƵ.
- Gain experience and feedback from expert clinicians and educators.
- Connect with peers and mentors in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Who Can Apply - Eligibility for Final-Year Medical and Dental Students
- Surgical Competition: medical students enrolled at a UK medical school.
- Dental Competition: dental students enrolled at a UK or Irish dental school.
Competition Stages: How It Works
Each competition is run in two stages:
1. Regional Heats
- Held October-December at participating medical and dental schools.
- Candidates complete a range of tasks testing precision, skill and problem-solving.
2. Grand Final
- Top performers compete at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Edinburgh in February (Surgical) and March (Dental). Finalists are judged by experienced surgeons and dentists.
Prizes and Benefits
- All finalists receive a certificate and recognition from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.
- Cash prizes and travel support to attend the grand final.
- Free student affiliate membership with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh for winners.
- Additional prizes may include dental or surgical tools and resources to support your studies.
How to Enter
- Regional heats are organised through participating universities.
- Medical students will be contacted via their university coordinator.
- Registration opens in September. Express your interest or find out more when registration open.
Key Dates and Timeline
Highlights and Past Winners
FAQs
Yes, reasonable travel and accommodation expenses may be covered for finalists attending the Grand Final. Specific arrangements will be communicated in advance.
Yes, as long as you are a final-year student enrolled at a UK medical school or a UK/Irish dental school, you are eligible to participate regardless of nationality.
No, all necessary materials and instruments will be provided during both the regional heats and the Grand Final.
Each participating university may have its own internal selection process. You’ll usually be informed by your university or can contact your course coordinator for more details.
Tasks test a range of clinical and practical skills, including suturing, dexterity, decision-making and attention to detail, tailored to either surgical or dental contexts.
One top-performing student from each regional heat is typically invited to represent their university at the Grand Final.
No, there is no fee to participate in either the regional heats or the Grand Final.
Yes, it provides national recognition, experience under clinical assessment and the opportunity to add a prestigious achievement to your CV.
No, the competition is only open to final-year students. However, participation or interest may open doors to other ºìÐÓÊÓƵ opportunities.
While individual feedback may not be guaranteed for all participants, judges may offer general observations or guidance at the event.
Join the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Affiliate Network - Support for Students and Trainees
Be part of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (ºìÐÓÊÓƵ) surgical or dental affiliate network and receive guidance, mentorship and resources to advance your surgical or dental career. Whether you are a final-year student, foundation doctor or trainee, the affiliate network provides access to:
- Expert Mentorship: Connect with experienced surgeons and dentists for guidance and support.
- Exclusive Resources: Access learning materials, skills tutorials and exam preparation guides.
- Career Development Opportunities: Participate in workshops, webinars and networking events.
- Exam and Training Support: Receive help preparing for ºìÐÓÊÓƵ Membership and Fellowship exams.
- Professional Recognition: Gain credibility and enhance your CV with official ºìÐÓÊÓƵ affiliation.
Join the ºìÐÓÊÓƵ surgical or dental affiliate network and start advancing your surgical or dental career today.
Surgical Affiliate Network
Are you a student, foundation doctor or trainee? Affiliate with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and we will lead and support you at every step of your career journey. Being part of our affiliate network will also give you access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities that you might otherwise miss out on.
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Dental Affiliate Network
As you progress in your study, complete your training, or prepare for your MFDS or Specialty Membership Examinations, having the right support is crucial. ºìÐÓÊÓƵ is here to help you shape your dental career progression and offer you a wide range of resources for training, Membership and Fellowship Examinations and development opportunities.
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