CPD guidance/portfolio

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

The BSDHT encourages members to attend conferences - regionally, nationally and internationally, read dental literature and record any further studies they may have undertaken since qualifying. Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) became mandatory on 1 August 2008.

The facts:

CPD is defined as 'study, training courses, seminars, reading and other activities undertaken by a dental professional, which could reasonably be expected to advance his or her professional development as a dental professional.'

Compulsory CPD was introduced by the General Dental Council on 1 August 2008 for all dental care professionals (DCPs).
Dental hygienists and hygienist-therapists will be required to undertake 150 hours of CPD over a five year cycle. One third of the requirement will be termed verifiable CPD.
Core subjects for DCPs will match those for dentists:
- Medical emergencies (10 hours per cycle);
- Disinfection and decontamination (5 hours per cycle); and
- Radiography and radiation protection (5 hours per cycle).

In addition, the GDC recommend that dental hygienists and hygienist-therapists undertake CPD in legal and ethical issues, and complaints handling.

There are many ways for dental hygienists and hygienist-therapists to complete CPD, including attendance at courses, lectures and staff training, plus reading journals and private study.
CPD records must be kept - the GDC may ask to see them.
Verifiable CPD means the activity must have:
- Concise educational aims and objectives - a clear purpose or goal;
- Clear anticipated outcomes - you should know what you can expect to gain as a result of taking part in the activity;
- Quality controls - you should have the chance to give feedback; and
- Documentary proof (eg. a certificate) - to prove you took part in the activity.

BSDHT is committed to providing high quality, verifiable CPD at both regional and national level. In addition, the Society's journal, Dental Health, will continue to provide articles linked to CPD activity.

How to collect CPD, examples:

Attendance at a BSDHT regional meeting

Attendance at the BSDHT oral health conference

Reading Dental Health and completing the CPD questionnaire

It is every individual hygienists/therapists responsibility to demonstrate that they are aware of professional developments.

CPD portfolio

A complimentary CPD portfolio is provided for BSDHT members and is available via at the autumn regional meetings and conference this year.