How to Manage Continuing Professional Development in Dentistry

From patient-care regulations to digital advancements… In dentistry, continuing professional development (CPD) is a crucial aspect for both workers and businesses.

Dental employers need to fully understand what the rules are when it comes to CPD activities. This means knowing what routes lead to the highest level of patient care. And how to provide dental staff with opportunities to update their professional talents.

In the dental industry, there are CPD regulations that must be followed. Failing this could lead to serious consequences. Like business sanctions, high staff turnover, and reputational damage. For further advice, contact one of our expert HR advisors free of charge today. 

Now, let’s look at how to manage continuing professional development in the dentistry sector.

Why is continuing professional development important in the dental industry?

Continuing professional development (CPD) is a life-long commitment to keeping skills and knowledge up to date. It allows workers to provide safe and appropriate services as part of their job; to customers, clients, or the public.

In the dental industry, workers are expected to provide the highest quality care to patients. CPD allows dental staff the chance to continuously learn and develop their professional skills.

Is CPD a legal requirement in dentistry?

Yes, all dental professionals are legally required to maintain their skills and knowledge – ensuring they're up to date. The General Dental Council (GDC) has the power to act if CPD legal requirements aren’t complied with.

Under the General Dental Council’s standards, patients are expected to receive quality care; and that all members of the dental team:

• Are appropriately trained and qualified.
• Keep their skills up to date.
• Know their limits and refer patients appropriately.
• Work within statutory legislations and regulations.

Dental professionals must comply with the Enhanced CDP Scheme 2018. Unlike the old scheme, the newer guidance is based on flexibility and reflective practices. The scheme allows dental professionals to be actively involved in daily experiences where skills or knowledge can grow.

Dental registrants are required to demonstrate this practice through a personal development plan (PDP). This should be relevant to their own field of expertise, on top of CPD activities.

What are the benefits of CPD in the dental industry?

There are endless reasons as to why continuing professional development is crucial within the dental industry. Some of the main benefits of CPD include:

Keeping up to date

From legal amendments to technological advancements… The dental industry regularly faces changes to everyday business practices. CPD activities help them stay up to date with them all – which keeps employers on top of unexpected predicaments.

Maintaining essential skills and knowledge

CPD isn’t just about developing skills and knowledge; it’s also about maintaining existing, necessary ones. Without solidifying the foundations, patient care is put in danger – putting your dental staff in the firing line, as well as the business.

Networking with other professionals

Certain CPD activities for dental professionals includes networking. This practice increases dental awareness, helps form associates, and promotes business services. It also allows dental employers to enhance their own services, as well try out new industry trends.

Growing personal and professional reputation

Dental workers don’t solely benefit from CPD activities; the business does on a whole. A talented, skilled, experienced, dedicated workforce encourages professional growth overall. The business's brand-name and reputation continues to develop with the aid of a steadfast workforce.

How to manage continuing professional development for your dental workers

From training advancements to post-graduations… Continuing professional development is key in industries like dentistry. However, choosing the right activities can be complicated depending on your specific services and audiences.

Let’s look at how employers can manage continuing professional development for their dental workers:

Choose relevant courses

Depending on your workers and services, you might face having to decide which CPD activities your business should invest in. Dental employers should choose courses which are relevant to their specific business goals and interests.

Ask your dental staff what specific skills and knowledge are most applicable to them. This provides direct clarity on what areas of expertise they’d like to explore. Just make sure it’s relevant to your dental business. For example, there’s no point investing in orthodontist training if you don’t provide these services.

Use dentistry accredited bodies

Before you invest in dental training, courses, or schools, it’s crucial to check their accreditation. They must be from a recognised dental education body.

Having the right accreditation will help ensure your dental training meets the highest standards of quality and care. And that it’s recognised by other employers, institutes, and customers related to your professional field and beyond.

Provide means for training

Dental businesses usually function on continuous work periods, so it can be hard to schedule time off for staff to study or train. However, it’s important to be flexible when it comes to CPD activities for your workers.

Dental employers can offer online training which allows staff to learn at their own pace and schedules. It also provides a better balance between work and study hours. Make sure you highlight whether dental courses offer flexible deadlines, as well as a variety of learning formats to choose from.

Offer support and resources

Dental employers need to make sure they complete efficient research before investing in training courses and programmes. Decide whether these are suitable for your employees. Good courses will offer constructive feedback or have a strong reputation for learning experiences.

It’s also important to ensure these training investments don’t leave your dental business out of pocket. Find a balance between your legal responsibilities for CDP and activities that are financially worth investing in.

Get expert advice on continuing professional development in dentistry with Peninsula

Investing in continuing professional development in dental businesses is both a legal requirement, as well as an ethical one. With the right decisions, you’ll be able to encourage work skills, knowledge, and capabilities – benefiting both dental professionals and the overall business.

Peninsula offers expert advice on managing continuous professional development in dentistry with Peninsula. Our 24/7 HR advice is available 365 days a year. Want to find out more? Book a free chat with one of our HR consultants. For further information, call 0800 051 3685.

Sources

CPD for dental professionals | General Dental Council