Continued Professional Development (CPD):

For Dentists

Continued Professional Development (CPD) is a continuing learning process that complements formal undergraduate and postgraduate education and training.  The concept of mandatory CPD is supported by the Dental Council but this will require a change in the current legislation.  However the Dental Council’s Code pertaining to Professional Behaviour and Dental Ethics states that all dentists have an obligation to maintain and update their knowledge and skills through CPD and the Dental Council decided to introduce its’ voluntary scheme.  

CPD is necessary for dentists to maintain and improve their standards across all areas of their practice.  Dentists should embrace a culture of lifelong learning to make sure that they remain competent in their practice in order to provide a high-quality of patient care.  CPD will also help dentists to keep up to date even if they are not practising.  Dentists should familiarise themselves with the details of the scheme, and in particular the distinction between Verifiable and General CPD.

The Continued Professional Development scheme and a CPD Recording Form for dentists can be downloaded below:

CPD Scheme (PDF)

CPD Recording Form (DOC)

For Course Organisers

Only activities that occur after 1 July 2010 and which have been approved in advance by the Dental Council can be regarded as verifiable CPD activities.  Attendance at verifiable activities will be recorded (including the dentists name and registration number) by the course organiser and forwarded to the Dental Council, similar to the procedure operated previously by the Post Graduate Medical and Dental Board.  Course organisers are required to apply to the Dental Council at least three months in advance of the activity occurring for approval.  To count as verifiable CPD an activity must have:

1. Concise educational aims and objectives
2. Clear anticipated outcomes
3. Quality controls (i.e. there must be an opportunity for dentists to provide feedback)
4. Documentary proof of attendance/participation from the course organiser

It should be noted that even if an activity is not approved as a Verifiable CPD it may be regarded as General CPD if, in the view of the dentist, it contributes his or her professional development.  Application Form for verifiable CPD and a Course Attendance Sheet for course organisers can be downloaded below:

Application for Verifiable CPD (DOC)

Attendance Sheets (DOC)