22
Firstly, do not despair! The CPD cycle deadline may only be a few months away but we have some suggestions on how to grab some extra CPD hours before it’s too late.
With less than six months until the new cycle starts, we take a look at how various oral health professionals have attained their required hours; and if you’re still falling short then it might give you some ideas on how to bridge that gap.
By Margaret Galvin and Bill Suen
Why CPD is so important
FACT: Maintaining adequate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an essential professional and legal requirement for all health professionals. The end of the current CPD cycle is looming. By 30 November this year, all oral health practitioners should have recorded a minimum of 60 hours of CPD – with at least 80% (48/60 hours) being of a scientific nature.
With the rapid development of technology and ongoing research, clinical practice constantly changes as a result of new discoveries and learnings. It is therefore paramount that as health professionals we keep up-to-date with knowledge and competence that is relevant to our practice area. The Dental Board of Australia (DBA) sets a minimum CPD standard for all dental practitioners to continuously update their knowledge and skills to remain competent in their practice.
The DBA definition of ‘practice’ includes all professional activities, remunerated or not, and is not just restricted to clinical work. Activities such as research and education, management, policy making, and others that may influence relevant health outcomes are regarded as ‘practice’. Furthermore, CPD hours are required not only to maintain current practice, but also needed for future changes within your scope of practice. It’s important to note that the need for CPD does not lessen with reduced practice hours. The same level of knowledge and competence is required for as long as you are practising. As oral hygiene professionals, many of us will be used to practising in different settings and fields. That means that each individual is in the best position to identify and access CPD activities that >
