Sir, we are writing in response to A. Maqbool's letter Interpretation consideration published in the BDJ (2012; 212: 304). Dr Maqbool states that there is an error in our paper A guide to entry into specialist training (BDJ 2012; 212: 35–40) regarding eligibility to enter the MFDS Part 2 examination given in Table 3 on page 37. The regulations for MFDS published jointly by the Royal Colleges of Glasgow and Edinburgh state to be eligible to enter MFDS Part 2 candidates must provide evidence of:

'a) written confirmation of a pass in Part 1 in either the MFDS (Edinburgh, Glasgow), or other examinations accepted by and detailed on the websites of the two Royal Colleges;

b) completion of 12 months' full-time postgraduate experience in clinical dentistry before the closing date for entry to Part 2. Normally, equivalent part-time experience will be acceptable if gained within a period of four years.'

Editor-in-Chief's note: I am grateful to the authors for setting the record straight on this matter and apologise for the oversight in not offering them the opportunity to respond in the same issue as A. Maqbool's letter.