CPD review questions & answers
What is the CPD review?
The GDC has started a process to review its requirements for CPD in the future. We will be considering the role CPD plays in helping registrants to stay up to date and to practise in accordance with our Standards, as well as exploring the most effective forms of CPD activity and the best way of monitoring and administering it in the future.
Why has the GDC decided to undertake a review of CPD now?
We have had requirements for CPD for dentists in place since 2002 and for dental care professionals since 2008. It is important we evaluate and review our various policies and processes periodically to ensure they continue to be effective.
How long will the review process take?
We want to make sure that any recommendations and decisions about our future requirements reflect good practice in CPD. They also need to be workable and avoid unnecessary paperwork for registrants and for the GDC. At present our CPD requirements are set out in legislation and that may need to be amended. All this takes time and the review will continue throughout 2012.
If the GDC’s CPD requirements change in the future, when will this affect me as a registrant?
If there are any changes, we don’t expect them to come into effect before at least mid-2013 and we will fully consult before implementing them (see below). Once a date for the implementation of any changes to CPD is decided we will inform all registrants. We will make sure we provide adequate notice of any changes and we will put in place any transitionary measures where these are necessary.
How will registrants and stakeholders be able to get involved in the review process?
The work to review our CPD requirements will include finding out the views, opinions and experiences of registrants and stakeholders. This will include undertaking formal public consultation during 2012 on any plans for changing our requirements and processes. We have opened a CPD review mailbox for general questions and comments at
CPDReview@gdc-uk.orgWhat does the review mean for me now?
The review process doesn’t change our requirements for CPD that currently apply to you. This means registrants must continue to undertake CPD in accordance with our current requirements. These are set out in our information booklets:
How will the GDC’s CPD requirements be different in the future?
It is too early to say what the outcome of the CPD review will be. Once we have done more work on this we will undertake a formal public consultation on our proposals.
When will the GDC undertake a public consultation on its proposals for future CPD?
We hope to hold a public consultation during the first half of 2012. If we need to conduct further consultations we will do so.
How will I know if the GDC’s CPD requirements change?
If our requirements for CPD change in the future we will inform all our registrants with adequate notice. We will also ensure information about our plans is available on our website and through our regular newsletter the Gazette.
Where can I find more about the GDC’s current requirements for compulsory CPD for Dentists and DCPs?