JAN
27
0

CPD, Or Not CPD - That Is The Question

IMG_2429 CPD - Will it ever catch on?

CPD, Or Not CPD - That Is The Question?

"CPD, Or Not CPD
That Is The Question"

By
DentistGoneBadd

I’m not, by nature, a hoarder.

I chuck stuff out on a pretty regular basis and the only inanimate possessions I would risk my life to save in the event of fire or flood would be my treasured MacBook, iPad and iPhone – in short, anything with an Apple logo on it.

So, I suffered gargantuan cognitive dissonance the other day when I came across my massive folder of CPD certificates collected over thirty years in practice, in the loft. Why do I still keep it?

I’d been up in the loft because the gas engineer who installed our gas supply and heating system earlier in the year had been sent back by the safety people to fix all the bits he’d not done properly in the first place and after he’d gone I was just checking he’d not carried out some sort of ‘dirty protest’ as revenge for being called back to our house.

To say the gas engineer was a little ‘frosty’ on the morning he arrived, was an understatement.   When I saw him finally pull up on the road after a five-day wait, I went out with a cheery wave as he sat in his van, and started to back my car out of the drive to allow him to park closer to the house. He’d parked halfway across the drive and it was a bit tight getting out and I noted that I was quite close to him as I swung backwards. My car radio was quite loud as I reversed, but I was focussed on getting out of the engineer’s way and parked on the road. As I got out of my car, he was inspecting the front of his van. My “Morning Bill” was greeted by “Did you know you’d just hit the van?” I didn’t, but when I had a look, there was no denying it. There was no dent in his bumper, but there was a clear and undeniable smear of Peugeot 107 red on his immaculately matte black rubberised fender. If he HAD carried out a dirty protest, I would have understood.

Anyway, back to my CPD folder. I must have buried it up there a year ago, on retirement, though I don’t remember doing it. The folder lay under the bed for thirty years and it had about seventy elastic bands around it for fear that a valuable certificate proving I’d been on a day course on the use of Wizard Wedges in 1991 might inadvertently slip out from the pile of loose certificates on top.

For about a billionth of a nanosecond I actually thought about throwing the folder out, until I came to what passes for my senses and asked myself “But what if the GDC asks to see it retrospectively?” Yes I know, bizarre thought – why would they? But I was always a dentist scared of not only his own shadow, but the shadow of a hostile dental litigation lawyer carrying a sharpened writ. In my head I could visualise a scenario where the GDC demanded to see my CPD folder, realised I’d not followed the rules and retrospectively declared my career null and void. In consequence, every procedure I had ever carried out I’d done illegally and I’d be jailed for being a fraudulent dentist.

 

CPD, Or Not CPD - That Is The Question?

Torn, I realised that I needed guidance and so I went to my ‘go-to’ default advisor – Twitter of course. I asked whether I should: a) destroy the CPD records, b) destroy them, laughing or c) keep them in the loft. The results of my survey were closer than I anticipated. Fifty-five percent of participants thought I should destroy them with a maniacal laugh, but a surprising forty percent thought I should keep them in the loft. One Twitter wag, Rebecca Cox questioned my commitment to CPD. She said “One folder…in 25 years?” Fair point. Anyway, the loft it is, forever, until we find another house with another inaccessible loft, but hopefully, safe gas pipes.

I was sort of reassured that forty percent of the people surveyed erred on the side of caution and I was comforted by a Tweet from a dentist I follow, Adrian Walley, who said:

“This is sad, but 35 years qualified and I still have all my undergraduate files and coursework in a box in the loft. Every time I go to throw them out, I can’t quite bring myself to do it; all that work and if nothing else, (it) proves how neat my handwriting used to be!”

This Tweet struck a chord for my other confession is that I too have all my undergraduate notes still in the loft, sitting on piles of books ranging from Gray’s Anatomy to a worthless book written by one of my dental professors on restorative dentistry that seemed to have been aimed at dental students with ADHD.

I WILL admit that keeping my undergraduate notes is pretty much pointless. I also admitted on Twitter a few days ago that I used to write extensive notes during lectures. I’d then go back to my room and during the evening, write my notes up neater and add bits from textbooks. I always felt more comfortable with a fine black felt-tip pen and with every test we had during the course, I’d go back to my notes and highlight them in fluorescent pink or green. When we came to finals, I opened my files one day to find that the writing was unreadable, the black felt-tip having dissolved in the washes of fluorescent felt-tip. I was inconsolable, and for a while, hysterical. My fellow finalists found it pant-wettingly funny.

Despite all that, I still can’t throw the notes folder out. I’m really not sure why. I don’t know whether the CPD folder and the notes represent all that time invested and all that agony endured in order to qualify as a dentist and then keep the ball in the air. I suppose they’ll stay there till the ceiling starts to sag with the weight of them plus the folders we’re keeping for the kids for some obscure reason, from their ‘A’ level days, nigh on 15 years or so ago.

But flicking through the CPD folder made me think about the whole Continuing Professional Development thing and how it’s developed since the days that I qualified and how I may have had a lucky escape retiring when I did, before Enhanced CPD really kicked in.

Back in the late eighties, we didn’t have CPD, we had Section 63 courses. I don’t recall having to declare the fact that I’d done a course to the GDC but I do vaguely have this feeling that someone was watching my course activity. After every course, you had to collect a certificate and a form which you submitted to the local Family Practitioner’s Committee. In those days (I was reminded by someone I follow on Twitter) you could claim your car-parking fees back at least, but I don’t recall having to didn’t have to fill in a feedback form.

In those days you didn’t even have to stay the full day. They were simpler, more naïve times. You could go to the course in the morning, sign in, pick up your certificate and your Section 63 expenses claim form and slip out at the first coffee break, being home for lunch or grabbing a swift half at pub before you caught the bus to catch the second session of the cricket (Birmingham Dental School is VERY close to Warwickshire’s Edgbaston ground). Not that I ever did that of course.

When Section 63 courses were about, the UDA system wasn’t, and there seemed to be more time and less financial pressure to attend courses. If you went on a day-long course, although you knew you weren’t earning any money, you didn’t feel you were effectively going to LOSE money by risking not hitting targets. Consequently, courses seemed to be well attended and filled with the sort of people you would cross the M25 on foot in order to avoid.

Some of the most excruciatingly irritating dentists on the planet I encountered at Section 63 courses. There was one lecturer who I had to take my hat off to, just for keeping his cool. The course was in London and was on ‘Endodontics in Practice.’ There was a little chap sitting down the front and he must have had the lecturer bitterly regretting his rash words: “Feel free to ask questions as we go along.” When the lecturer said: “I can’t emphasise this enough, you MUST irrigate with hypochlorite,” the audience member asked “So do you ALWAYS irrigate with hypochorite?” When the speaker said “It’s critical to use rubber-dam to stand any chance of success,” the irritant asked “So do you think it’s important to use rubber-dam to be successful?” When the speaker emphasised the importance of recapitulation, the annoying dentist asked “So you’d recommend recapitulation then?” And on and on. By the end of the day, the rest of the audience had had enough and every time the hand went up, there were murderous murmurings all over the lecture hall. I can almost guarantee you have met this bloke at a CPD meeting at some point in your professional life.

 

CPD, Or Not CPD - That Is The Question?

 

When the GDC officially threw its their hat in the ring and CPD came in with its implied threat of erasure if you didn’t take an apple for your teacher, all the fun seemed to go out of practice awaydays. Courses were suddenly geared towards meeting legislative requirements and you’d be really struggling to find a course that DIDN’T involve cross-infection control or compliance. I missed courses with titles like ‘Fun With Mercury’ and ‘Who Needs A Perio Probe?’

The prospect of the new 100 hours verifiable CPD in five years target didn’t particularly bother me. Apart from my last year in practice, I usually far exceeded requirements. That may surprise some. I was fascinated by the science behind dentistry, it was just the idea of being in the same building as patients that I hated.

When it came to non-verifiable CPD declarations to the GDC at the end of the year, my attitude was a little more ‘relaxed.’ I mean, I did quite a lot of journal reading, but I can’t say that I scrupulously logged my hours, so when it came to putting in a non-verifiable figure to the GDC it had the accuracy you’d normally associate with Oliver Reed telling his GP how many units he drank per week.

 

CPD, Or Not CPD - That Is The Question?

 

My difficulties with enhanced CPD would have been associated with the production of a Personal Development Plan. Every PDP I’ve ever been asked to produce in the past has basically identified endodontics as my weakness and all my CPD would have been directed towards attending endless courses on RCT until I finally found the Holy Grail – a course that that said hypochlorite and rubber dam was totally unnecessary.

I would imagine the pursuit of UDA’s and economic viability has led to an increase in the number of practitioner’s carrying out a lot of CPD online. I have no quantitative evidence for that assumption other than I was often asked while I was practising which organisations provided the cheapest online CPD content.

And of course, online CPD has opened up the opportunity for taking shortcuts to attaining verifiable hours. I knew one practitioner who never read the content of the course, but ticked the multiple choices as he thought fit and repeat until he hit the 80% pass score required for his certificate - it took him way less time than spending the two hours the course providers reckon he needed to complete the course, and failing that, he’d photograph each page of text and then go to the test at the end. If he didn’t know the answers, he’d scroll through the pictures till he found the bit he wanted and ticked the box with confidence.

Another well-known CPD website apparently counted up the time you spent online answering questions and issued certificates logging the hours spent on each subject. One ingenious practitioner I know discovered an App for his computer called a ‘Mouse-Clicker.’ You could set the App so that it clicked automatically every few seconds. This registered with the website that you were still active on the page and he could go off down the pub while he was automatically logging verifiable hours without breaking sweat.

I say! That’s not quite cricket!

  5323 Hits
5323 Hits
NOV
06
0

The problems with the Silo existence

The problems with the Silo existence

Dentistry is tough, I have written that phrase as an opening to several pieces in the past. Things haven’t got any easier, in fact quite the opposite. There is a crisis of confidence in many young, and not so young, dentists.

Continue reading
  3911 Hits
3911 Hits
JUN
04
0

Forever Learning

2017-Showcase-TB-demo-low-res--1

If you’ve a passion for learning, then Dental Showcase is the event for you.

Learning Through Engaging

Dental shows provide the ideal opportunity to learn what’s new from the dental trade – even if you’re only window shopping! It’s much easier to explore trade innovations under the convenience of a single roof, rather than visit many separate showrooms or try and squeeze in a rep demo between patients.  There will be over 350 exhibitors at this year’s Show, many of them choosing to launch new products at the event.  If you like to ‘try before you buy’, and be sure you’ve thoroughly researched all possibilities, this is your ideal opportunity.  Our two headline sponsors, Oral-B and Colgate, both have news for you, and offer a plethora of resources and products to ensure your patients take care of their oral health between appointments.

Learning Through Listening                                   

Dental Update Study Day – 4 October

For those wanting to polish up their clinical skills, then look no further than the Dental Update Theatre, which will again be hosting a Study Day.  The theme this year is ‘Avoiding Risk in Dentistry’. High standards are a sine qua non for any lectures coming under the Dental Update umbrella.  Profession Trevor Burke will be both chairing and presenting this year, his lecture aptly entitled ‘Minimising Failure with Direct Restorations and Crowns’.  John Milne, Head of the CQC, will also present an engaging and potentially contentious session on regulatory matters.  Tara Renton, will look at specific risks associated with oral surgery and the afternoon will be rounded off by a fascinating lecture by Steve Hawkins, the Chief Training Pilot for British Airways.  As an industry keen to learn from its mistakes, his lecture ‘Lessons from the Cockpit’, will give all attendees plenty of food for thought.  These lectures are free to attend, although priority will be given to Dental Update subscribers.

Dental Update Lecture Programme – 5-6 October

A full programme of lectures continues Friday and Saturday, with some equally engaging presentations, covering a wide range of topics.  Louis MacKenzie will be giving practical advice on anterior composites.  Paul Bachelor will explore the topic of dementia-friendly dentistry and Bob Cummings will explain some of the HMRC challenges associates face.  There will also be some business-focused presentations.  Frank Taylor & Associates will take delegates through the journey of a practice sale, including advice on finance.

Innovation Theatre

Those who’d rather attend shorter lectures, offering snapshots and practical advice, should visit the Innovation Theatre.  The application of technology is core to these lectures and this year the event will utilise revolutionary new technology, introducing an interactive element to the live demonstrations taking place each morning. The afternoon sessions will allow you to peek into ‘tomorrow’s world’, with discussions and reviews of the latest technology accessible to dentistry.  Pioneers and practitioners will talk you through its evolution and application.

Core CPD

There will be a specific learning opportunity for those wanting to meet their core CPD.  The GDC recommends five core areas in which dentists and DCPs should carry out CPD. The Core CPD lectures will bring the whole dental team up to date on the latest developments in these key areas and ensure you are well on the way to satisfying the GDC’s requirements for verifiable CPD.  New radiation regulations, medical emergencies and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults will all be covered in this forum.

Learning Through Discussion

How many times have you wanted to “have your say” when it comes NHS dentistry?  Well, Dental Showcase is delighted that the Office of the Chief Dental Officer (CDO) has chosen to use this event as a platform for you to do just that.  Sara Hurley, CDO for England, will be talking each morning about the development and provision of dental services.  The Thursday morning session will be available to dental societies only, but Friday and Saturday are open to all on a first come, first served basis.  It is anticipated that these briefings will engender much debate which can be continued at the CDO Zone, where panel discussions will run throughout the three days. This is your opportunity to engage directly with the decision makers.

To register, or for more information, visit http://www.dentalshowcase.com/

  2151 Hits
2151 Hits
JAN
28
0

Enhanced CPD by @DentistGoneBadd

Enhanced CPD

  6502 Hits
6502 Hits
FEB
28
0

The power of three for outstanding Class II restorations

The power of three for outstanding Class II restorations

 

 

When placing a composite Class II restoration, one of the key challenges is to achieve excellent adaptation. Dentsply Sirona is addressing this issue with three innovative products designed to work together to provide superior adaptation at every stage of the restorative process:

  • Palodent® V3 is a Sectional Matrix System that adapts to the natural contour of the tooth, providing predictable and accurate contacts and a tight marginal seal with minimal flash and fast finishing.
  • SDR® Smart Dentine Replacement is a bulk fill composite that fully adapts to the cavity floor and matrix band. Its flowability and self-levelling properties reduce the occurrence of voids and bubbles, lessening the possibility of post-operative sensitivity.
  • ceram.x® universal is a nano-ceramic composite used to finish the restoration. It fully adapts to the cavity and the SDR layer beneath it, while simplifying shade matching and finishing, creating long-lasting restorations with excellent aesthetics.

 

Each of these products alone offers the best in convenience, handling and performance. Used together, they complement each another and provide a complete Class II solution with superior adaptability.

 

To find out more about Restorative solutions contact Dentsply Sirona on 0800 072 3313 or visit dentsply.com/en-uk

Earn DENTSPLY Rewards £s on all your Restorative solution purchases at dentsplyrewards.co.uk and access free CPD webinars and product demonstrations at dentsplyacademy.co.uk

Facebook: DentsplySirona

Twitter: @DentsplySirona

  3411 Hits
3411 Hits
NOV
08
0

GDPUK Conference 2016 - A Huge Success - Join us in 2017!

GDPUK Conference 2016 - A Huge Success - Join us in 2017!

 

 
Over 60 members of the GDPUK Community gathered at Hotel Football in Manchester on Friday 4th November to enjoy a day of learning, networking and thinking time away from the dental practice!
 

The mix of education, personal stories and music made for an incredibly diverse and interesting day.

 

 

Chris Tavares remarked;

“Thanks to the GDPUK Team for the absolute wonderful day I had today. Dentistry's been tense lately due to 'non-dental' things. Usually when I go on a course I'm really tired at the end of day due to the intensity of the lectures. Today was different. I really needed a chill out day and today absolutely nailed it. The speakers did a fantastic job keeping to their remit and the delivery was excellent. The topics were all very relevant to dentistry but in, oh so different a way, than the usual intense clinical procedures lectures. It's what I call the 4th Dimension of educational topics. The outside of the box topics. Each speaker spoke for the right length of time and kept us all very much glued to our seats. There was education, there was humour, there were personal journeys, there was music. Very much how the humanity of being a registrant is all about. Each topic was very 'functional' in creating a great chill out, educational and social event. Also great to put so many faces to posters. Unfortunately did not manage to meet everyone.”
 

 

Mike Powell via the GDPUK forum stated:-

“An excellent day with a variety of topics covered, not all "look how excellent my work is"......The catering was also massively better than the norm, fillet of beef with peppercorn sauce anyone? Thanks Tony and all the others involved in organising the day.”
 

 

Tony Jacobs, MD of GDPUK was really pleased with the outcome of the day:-

“We are so pleased with the positive feedback from everyone who attended the conference. As always, it was fantastic to meet old and new faces from the forum. We believe the mix of speakers from within dental circles and a couple from other sectors, helped form a day that was insightful, entertaining, unusual and thought provoking. We look forward to hosting another conference in 2017, which will mark the 20th year of GDPUK.”
 
 
Thanks to all our members who supported the event and thanks to all the sponsors for taking part. Dental Elite, Denplan and DDU all enjoyed the day thoroughly and we appreciate their support which makes a conference like this possible.
 
As you can see the 2016 GDPUK Conference was fantastic but 2017, promises to be even better!
 
If you would like to join us for the 2017 Conference for what will be an awesome day, please follow this link and book today. Further info on speakers can be found on the site.
 
 
 
  6593 Hits
6593 Hits
AUG
23
0

GDPUK Conference 2016 - November 4th - Manchester

GDPUK Conference 2016 - November 4th - Manchester

 

GDPUK are pleased to announce - we are running a conference on the 4th of November in Manchester for the whole of the Dental Community.

We have put together an unusual dental event, with 20 minute timed presentations, with a mixture of discussion provoking speakers.

The aim is to bring GDPUK colleagues together for an educational and a social day, with time for food and drink in a modern setting close to Old Trafford, Salford Quays and City Centre Manchester, with all the transport links and facilities close to the venue.

The day is a great opportunity to celebrate the GDPUK community and dentistry. We also hope it is a chance for Dentists to meet up and spend an invigorating, inspiring and interesting day together. 

Please look at our minisite to learn more about the day. Full agenda and timings can be found on the website. 6 hours of verifiable CPD in a modern, friendly environment.

www.gdpuk.com/conference

 

 

For further information please follow this link - www.gdpuk.com/conference

 

 

 

  8576 Hits
8576 Hits
AUG
09
0

Expand your CPD horizons with Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson, the makers of LISTERINE®, are delighted to bring you new online content, to help support the ongoing CPD needs of dental healthcare professionals in improving and maintaining the oral health of their patients.

 

This is free to complete and each module accounts for 1 hour of verifiable CPD.

 

Through our programme, we aim to deliver recent clinical findings, useful information for in-practice management of oral diseases and patient communication strategies for improved preventive home care, as well considering the effects of lifestyle and other external influences on your patients’ oral health.

 

Please visit http://www.listerineprofessional.co.uk/cpd-educational-programme to earn verifiable hours from our continuously expanding library, including our newest pieces on:

• The adjunctive benefits of a daily use mouthwash

• Evidence-based decision making

• Communicating with children

• Dr Elizabeth Kay: Psychology in communicating with patients.

 

In addition, soon to be made available are CPD articles on:

• Dental care for older patients

•  In support of prevention

 

Upon completing each module successfully, you can either select to save and print your certificate and/ or have a copy emailed to you directly.

 

For further information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

  3682 Hits
3682 Hits
JUN
08
0

Free online tooth wear CPD module from Pronamel®

Free online tooth wear CPD module from Pronamel®

 

ESCARCEL, a recent pan-European study, amongst 3,187 subjects aged 18-35, concluded that 1 in 3 young adults suffer from tooth wear.¹ In a survey of 200 dental professionals completed in 2013, 84% said they see signs of erosive tooth wear on a weekly basis and 86% felt the condition is on the rise.² This emphasises how common erosive tooth wear is throughout the population.

To help raise awareness of the risk factors for tooth wear associated with eating and drinking acidic foods and drinks found in today’s diet, Pronamel® are offering dental professionals access to a specially developed online module. Topics include identifying signs of tooth wear, condition management advice, the use of the Basic Erosive Wear Examination tool (BEWE) and the role of Pronamel® in protection from the effects of acidic diets.

The Pronamel® online CPD module is available in an easy to use format which is free of charge. Available 24 hours a day, you can access this module whenever is convenient. Completion of the module can contribute up to 1.5 hours towards your verifiable CPD.

In addition, it provides information on the Pronamel® range and how it can help protect patients from the effects of erosive tooth wear.

Visit www.gsk-dentalprofessionals.co.uk/pronamelcpd1 to complete the module now!

 

 

 

References:

 

  1. Bartlett DW et al. J Dent 2013; 41: 1007-1013

  2. GSK Data on File, 2013


Trade marks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies

  12760 Hits
12760 Hits
JAN
18
0

CPD The Easy Way

CPD The Easy Way

  10029 Hits
10029 Hits
OCT
14
0

HPV Vaccinations - Make Some Noise for the Boys!

 

 

Squamous papilloma -- very low mag.jpg
"Squamous papilloma -- very low mag" by Nephron - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons.

Continue reading
  8036 Hits
8036 Hits
JUL
11
0

“Everything we wanted and a whole lot more” | Dentistry Show 2015

Everything-we-wanted-and-a-whole-lot-more

Anthony and Sue Inman, Principal Dentist and Practice Manager of Beechwood Dental in Bournemouth, were among the 7,908* delegates attending The Dentistry Show 2015.

 

“This year, we saw another huge increase in the quality and variety of CPD available throughout the two days, as well as many more trade stands among the exhibition.

 

“In particular, we were keen to find out more about the various orthodontic systems and facial aesthetic training courses available, as well as new marketing ideas and effective use of media. We were delighted to find everything we wanted and a whole lot more!

 

“The key benefits of The Dentistry Show for us is the easy to reach location and the opportunity to network and share ideas with like-minded people.

 

“We would highly recommend The Dentistry Show to anyone looking to enhance their practice – we have already saved the dates in our diary for next year.”

 

Free to attend for the whole team, The Dentistry Show offers a wealth of information, advice and inspiration for all. Make sure you don’t miss out in 2016!

 

The Dentistry Show and DTS 2016 will be held on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd April, NEC in Birmingham. For further details visit www.thedentistryshow.co.uk call 020 7348 5270 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  7604 Hits
7604 Hits
JUN
07
0

Recording the Non-Verifiable

Recording the Non-Verifiable

Acronyms should be catchy in dentistry, shouldn't they? Surely that's a rule? GDC, BDA, DPL, CQC, NVQ, CPD . . . It also seems to be a rule that they have to be three letter acronyms but maybe the exception proves the point!

I have been puzzled by the newer demand to note non-verifiable education. GDC call it "General CPD".

In my mind non verified means it cannot be defined nor denoted as a specified event in time.

I feel if written down, this act of noting the time spent means it is verified. Expressing this the other way, the act of writing, noting the activity, makes it no longer non-verifiable, to my mind. I therefore offer you 2 minutes of recorded general CPD for reading this article on a dental website, and of course, closing your eyes and reflecting on it.. There you go. Only 174 hours 58 minutes to go and RECORD!

I propose, if the GDC insist we must continue to note this time spent, and they do, this part of recorded CPD has now become not-non-verified and must be renamed as "self verified personal study time".

I'm off to do some SVPST!

Now that's bound to catch on.

 

 

 

Image credit - Moyan Brenn  under CC licence - not modified.

 
  14554 Hits
14554 Hits

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