2 minute read
Are you CPD ready?
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.
By Margaret Galvin and Bill Suen
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 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.
Why CPD is so important
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 >
are specific to their own needs. The DBA’s CPD registration standards and guidelines are only intended as a broad framework. This allows each practitioner to tailor their CPD time to cater for their own individual needs.
How the DHAA can help you
The DHAA has some great resources for members to acquire and log CPD hours. The main DHAA Facebook page, as well as various private DHAA Facebook groups, are updated regularly to let you know about upcoming CPD activities. Keep an eye out for free webinars, destination events, hands-on workshops. The jewel in the crown – especially if you’re seeking a quick CPD fix – is the IFDH Symposium that is heading to Brisbane in August. Get yourself along to this and you could attain over 14 hours of CPD in a fun-packed three-day event! Details can be found here, if you’ve not already registered.
Members receive a CPD certificate of attendance, however all hours gained at DHAA events will need to be manually entered into the DHAA log book in the member’s area of the DHAA website as they will not automatically be recorded.
Make your CPD count
Try to avoid getting carried away by an urge to simply accumulate hours to the required CPD for your registration with AHPRA. Remember that CPD is undertaken for practitioners to maintain, improve and broaden your knowledge, expertise and competence. Continuing professional development is exactly that. It’s there to help us develop the personal and professional qualities required to practice at a high and safe standard, applicable to our own personal scope of practice. This should be at the centre of any CPD you look at; but don’t despair, there are many ways to acquire CPD hours, so get out there, get learning and get logging!
For more in-depth information about CPD guidelines visit the DBA website. https://www.dentalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines/CPD.aspx
