Life-long learning

Like it or not we live in a world of life-long learning. Continuing professional development exists not just in dentistry but all of the professions. The world today moves rapidly. Of course it is not possible that we can know everything about everything, that is why there has been a move away from generalisation towards specialisation. In this article I will give my opinion on some of the different options open to dentists looking to gain verifiable CPD.

 

 

Learning from the leading lights in both the dental and indeed non-clinical worlds related to dentistry in the wider sense, as part of a large audience. These can often be inspirational, though they lack interactivity. This option will not suit all learning styles.

 

 

This option is much to be commended for busy practitioners. A course usually involves small groups (perhaps a maximum of 15 people). The content is again on focused subjects. Short courses have the great advantage of almost one-to-one tutoring with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and open discussion. These can also offer a mix of hands-on, live demonstrations,

mini-lectures, pre-recorded videos which can be discussed, paused, re-wound in addition to pre-course material and printed handouts. This mix will come close to satisfying the VARK (visual, auditory, reading, kinaesthetic) range of learning preferences of all of the learners attending.

 

 

This avenue is often not open to many due to the high cost and time commitment required. For those able to avail themselves of this educational path then the professional gain and self-actualisation (reaching one’s potential) achieved should be considerable.

 

 

These are of variable length and again on focused subjects. The format may be lecture-based or hands-on, and are delivered by experienced tutors or lecturers.

 

 

These are useful for very focused and narrow topics or as an overview or taster for the real thing. The time available for question and answer sessions is helpful.

 

 

In recent years the importance of vCPD at shows such as Dental Showcase and The Dentistry Show has swollen the number and variety of 30-45 min lectures and presentations given by many of the UK’s leading clinicians and speakers. Visitors often have an opportunity to discuss points with speakers afterwards.

 

 

This option is relatively inexpensive and can offer CPD on the GDC core topics and much more besides. One major benefit is the fact articles and videos can be viewed and re-viewed as required. A downside would be the lack of face-to-face interaction, peer networking and discussion, which often raises the learning experience to higher levels.

 

 

This involves reading and answering questions on qualifying articles in printed journals and publications. This will appeal to learners whose strength is in reading but less so to those who learn better through auditory,visual or kinaesthetic modalities.