Outcome report to our discussion document on shaping the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals

Today we published the outcome report to our discussion document on shaping the direction of lifelong learning for dental professionals.

The COVID-19 pandemic delayed our progress in responding to the views we received and towards developing the future system. However, we are pleased to be able to finally publish this summary and our responses to the responses we received.

A total of 117 individuals and organisations responded to the discussion document. Overall, there was strong support for the GDC’s proposed direction for lifelong learning, particularly the move towards a professionally owned, self-directed model. However, there were some concerns raised about the practicalities of the proposed model, such as associated costs, access to certain activities, and how compliance would be achieved.

We thank all respondents for providing us their views, comments, and insights. Our next step in developing a new model for lifelong learning is to complete a comprehensive evaluation of the current CPD scheme, something which was called for by many of the respondents. This evaluation, alongside the feedback received to the discussion document, will form the basis for our proposals for revisions to how the expectations for lifelong learning are reflected by the GDC within a future scheme.

We are conscious that responses were received before the COVID-19 pandemic and understand the need for and importance of continued engagement with our stakeholders. We will therefore engage further with all affected parties before any changes are made to the CPD scheme.