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PATHWAY TO FELLOWSHIP

Traditional Pathway: Fellowship by Invitation

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Historically, fellowship in the ICD has been by invitation only, extended to the top 4% of dental professionals. This exclusive recognition is based on exemplary contributions to the field and is reserved for those who demonstrate leadership, exceptional professional competence, and a commitment to humanitarian efforts.

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Key Criteria:

  • Professional Excellence: Fellows must demonstrate outstanding clinical and academic achievements.

  • Service: Contributions to dentistry, both locally and globally, are evaluated.

  • Leadership: Fellows often serve in leadership roles within their communities and dental associations.

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Expanded Pathways
to Fellowship

Recognizing the evolving landscape of dentistry, ICD Section XV offers additional pathways to fellowship beyond invitation, ensuring broader access to this esteemed honor.

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1. Fellowship by Serving ICD Section XV

This pathway emphasizes active contribution to the ICD through service, leadership, and humanitarian efforts. Fellows can achieve this status by serving in various capacities such as:

  • Leadership Roles: Holding positions within committees or organizing conferences.

  • Humanitarian Initiatives: Participating in community engagement and global oral health missions.

  • Mentorship: Guiding younger professionals and contributing to the growth of dentistry within the ICD.

 

2. Fellowship by Examination

A structured, merit-based pathway, the examination route allows professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment through a rigorous two-step process:

  • Step 1: International Membership in ICD (IMICD): Candidates must pass a written exam and clinical assessment covering key areas of general dentistry.

  • Step 2: International Fellowship in ICD (IFICD): Candidates submit cases and undergo oral examinations. Specialists may bypass the IMICD step.

The examination pathway is open to dental professionals committed to achieving fellowship through merit and clinical excellence. The next exam will be held during the ICD Conference on April 18, 2025, in Penang.

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3. Fellowship by Invitation (Continued)

Despite the introduction of new pathways, the traditional invitation-based process remains a prestigious honor, recognizing those who have made significant contributions to academia, public service, private practice, and military dentistry.

Fellowship to Master Fellowship

Once a Fellow, there is an opportunity to progress to Master Fellowship, awarded after 15 years of service and significant contributions. Master Fellows are recognized for their dedication to the ICD, leadership roles, and contributions to humanitarian efforts.

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Benefits of ICD Fellowship

 

Becoming an ICD Fellow offers numerous benefits:

  • Professional Recognition: Fellows can use the title F.I.C.D. after their name and receive a Fellowship Certificate, Key, and Pin.

  • Leadership Opportunities: Fellows can take on leadership roles within the ICD and mentor the next generation of dentists.

  • Access to Resources: ICD Fellows have access to exclusive publications, including the GLOBE and bi-annual newsletters.

  • Service Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to contribute to humanitarian projects and global dental initiatives through the ICD.

 

Fellowship in the ICD is not just an honor but a lifelong commitment to the advancement of the profession and the promotion of oral health worldwide. Whether by invitation, service, or examination, every pathway to fellowship is a testament to a dentist's dedication to excellence and humanity.

FAQ

  1. How do we obtain fellowship in ICD?
    Ans :
    There are 2 ways one can obtain fellowship in the College :

    1. By invitation : One can obtain fellowship in the College by invitation and is granted in recognition of an individual dentist’s outstanding professional achievement, meritorious service and dedication to the continued progress of dentistry for the benefit of humankind. The title ‘Fellow’ will be bestowed upon them. Students and youth obtaining fellowship through invitation will be bestowed the title ‘Fellow Prodigy’  upon them.

    2. By examination : Established by ICD Section XV’s academic fellowship committee, with the purpose to recognise and award credentials to dentists who achieve the appropriate academic level by examination, it is offered in two different levels:

      1. International Membership in ICD (IMICD)

      2. International Fellowship in ICD (IFICD)
         

  2. Do we have to be in a certain field of dentistry or criteria to acquire an invitation?
    Ans :
    Individuals in the top 4% of dental profession through their excellent contributions and leadership qualities will have higher chances of acquiring an invitation for fellowship. Dental professionals also working in academia, civil service, private practice and military dental service will also have high chances of acquiring an invitation.
     

  3. What is the role of the Fellowship Credentialing Committee?
    Ans :
    The role of the Fellowship Credentialing Committee is to ensure the right leaders are inducted to uphold the values the ICD sees as true leadership.
     

  4. What are the types of leadership and which philosophy of leadership does the ICD behold?
    Ans :
    According to Lewin Lippitt(1938), thee are three types of leadership:

    1. Type 1 – Servant Leadership : The ICD beholds the philosophy of Servant Leadership . This philosophy states that true leadership is servanthood and to put the interests of others at the center of your decisions.

    2. Type 2 – Diplomatic Leadership

    3. Type 3 – Sleeping Leadership 
       

  5. What is Fellowship Ascension Pathway?
    Ans :
    Fellowship Ascension Pathway is a ladder, a path paved by the ICD for leaders to ascend while growing and transforming into a better leader to serve humankind.  The Fellowship Ascension Pathway is as follows :

    1. Ordinary Fellowship FICD

    2. Distinguished Fellowship

    3. Fellowship with President Citation

    4. Honorary Fellowship

    5. Master Fellowship

    6. Emeritus Fellowship

    7. Ottofy-Okumura Award

    8. Life Fellowship

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