CPD in the UK

CPD is defined by the GDC as 'study, training, courses, seminars, reading and other activities undertaken by a dentist which could reasonably be expected to advance his or her professional development as a dentist.' Of the 250 hours required, a minimum of 75 hours must be 'Verifiable CPD', which means it must meet the following criteria:
It must have concise educational aims and objectives
It must have clear anticipated outcomes
It must have quality controls (i.e. you should have an opportunity to provide feedback)
You must obtain, and keep, documentary proof of your participation from an appropriate third party, showing the number of CPD hours involved in the activity.

CPD should aim to be undertaken on a regular basis throughout the five year cycle. The GDC's ethical guidance Maintaining Standards requires a dentist to undertake CPD on a 'regular and frequent basis' an it encourages dentists to try and complete an average of 50 hours (15 of which must be verifiable) a year.

• All dentists must complete 250 hours of CPD over every five-year period to remain on the UK Dentists Register
• All dentists must maintain their own CPD records
• All dentists must submit an annual statement of the CPD hours they have completed each year
• The GDC will monitor compliance with the requirements by random sampling of dentists' CPD records
• Failure to comply with the requirements may lead to erasure from the Dentists Register
• All dentists who take time off the Register must demonstrate compliance with CPD when they apply to restore