Continuing Professional Development

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a crucial aspect of professionalism in healthcare.

The GDC states that CPD in dentistry involves “learning, training or other developmental activities which can reasonably be expected to maintain and develop a person’s practice as a dentist or dental care professional, and is relevant to the person’s field of practice.”

As dental professionals we are required to undertake enhanced CPD over a 5-year cycle. Furthermore, CPD is meant to be done regularly with a minimum requirement of 10 hours over a two year period.

The total number of hours required varies depending on your role within the dental team:

Dentist - 100 hours

Dental Therapist - 75 hours

Dental Hygienist - 75 hours

Orthodontic Therapist - 75 hours 

Clinician Dental Technician - 75 hours 

Dental nurse - 50 hours 

Dental Technician - 50 hours 

In addition to carrying out CPD you are required to develop a personal development plan - this also involves reflecting on the CPD you have taken as well as what you’ve learnt. Moreover, a CPD log and make sure that you have certification to confirm the completion of any CPD. You can find out more about this by following the link below:

Your CPD must meet at least one of the four GDC eCPD outcomes:

“A. Effective communication with patients, the dental team and others across dentistry, including when obtaining consent, dealing with complaints, and raising concerns when patients are at risk;

Examples of this include:

• Communication skills

• Consent

• Complaints handling

• Raising concerns

• Safeguarding

B. Effective management of self and effective management of others or effective work with others in the dental team, in the interests of patients; providing constructive leadership where appropriate;

Examples of this include:

• Effective practice management

• Business management

• Team working

• Leadership skills

C. Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice;

Examples of this include:

• Clinical and technical areas of study

• Radiography

• Cross infection control

• Medical emergencies and CPR

• Emerging technologies and treatments

• CPD on quality assurance for MHRA

• CPD specific for your daily role(s)

• Upskilling opportunities

D. Maintenance of skills, behaviours and attitudes which maintain patient confidence in you and the dental profession and put patients’ interests first.

Examples of this include:

• Ethical and legal issues and developments

• Professional behaviours

• Equality and diversity training”

You can find complete guidance on enhanced CPD issued by the GDC by clicking on the link below: