As the General Dental Council puts out fresh calls reminding many dental care professionals (DCPs) they only have 10 months until they must have completed 150 hours of continuing professional development (CPD) ending their first five-year CPD cycle – it's important that DCPs, and dentists alike, are reminded what CPD options are available.
Amount
A CPD activity can be anything from private study time to attending training courses. However, activities which are of benefit to your continuing professional development, but which do not satisfy all of the verifiable CPD criteria, for example private study and journal reading, needs to be recorded as non-verifiable CPD.
For CPD to count as verifiable, the GDC says, "you should know what the activity is about and what you will learn; how it's going to benefit your patients; whether you can provide feedback on the activity; and that you will be given documentary proof (such as a certificate) that you carried out the activity."
Dentists must complete at least 250 hours of CPD over their five-year cycle. A minimum of 75 of these hours must be verifiable CPD; and DCPs must complete at least 150 hours. A minimum of 50 of these hours must be verifiable. Records of CPD should be kept for at least five years after the end of the cycle, as you may be asked to send them to the GDC.
Providers
With the growing numbers of education programs and institutions available today, providing training on a range of clinical and non-clinical subjects, choosing a course and education provider, suitable to your dental skills and knowledge, can be a difficult and stressful process. Look for a provider which offers leading speakers and demonstrators as well as continuous guidance, working within first class facilities is also a consideration.
Ivoclar Vivadent has long been a proponent of the value of education for clinicians and technicians and its International Centre for Dental Education (ICDE) has just celebrated its first birthday.
Which CPD
Undertaking CPD in the latest techniques and product developments can enhance your skills, as well as open many new doors full of opportunities, allowing you to succeed. For example, undertaking a course in composites and restoratives, specifically designed for clinical dental professionals, can enhance the knowledge and skills required to work with a leading manufacturer in the field of composite technology. Or, dental hygienists can augment their knowledge and develop skills required to successfully care and maintain dental implants, and learn how to safely carry out dental bleaching procedures. Alternatively, dental therapists can undertake hands-on training, focusing on how to achieve perfect preparations, as well as develop their knowledge and skills required to successfully cement indirect restorations.
Exceed patient expectations
Exceeding patient expectations, both clinically and technically, amounts to successful dentistry and bestows a feeling of achievement and success. Therefore, only the best courses should be good enough when ensuring you are trained, educated and motivated to play your role in delivering first-class oral care.
References available on request.