Shaping the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals

Overview of outcome report

In 2019, the General Dental Council (GDC) published a discussion document to invite ideas, comments and views on the future development of lifelong learning, or continuous professional development (CPD), in dentistry. We sought views of dental professionals and other stakeholders on proposals for a portfolio model for lifelong learning, which would have a focus on quality and would be different from the current system which is focused primarily on quantity. We also sought views on what could improve planning for CPD; on the role of peer learning and reflective practice; on better informing professional choice; and on harnessing value derived from activities undertaken.

The discussion document was informed by a systematic literature review, an advisory group, two stakeholder workshops, and feedback to the initial CPD proposals set out in Shifting the balance in 2017.

We invited comments to the discussion document between July and October 2019. In that time, we received 117 responses: 102 from individuals and 15 from stakeholder organisations. Below, we have provided a short summary of these responses, what we have taken away and what we will do next. A more detailed summary of what we heard can be found in the outcome report which you can download from this web-page.

These views, as well as other evidence and insights gathered throughout this project, will inform the development of proposals for changes to the lifelong learning requirements for dental professionals. We heard from stakeholders that before making changes we need to understand the benefits and drawbacks of the current scheme. We agree with this, and these proposals will also be informed by an evaluation of how well the current scheme supports dental professionals in maintaining and developing their practice. We aim to report on this evaluation in 2022.