CPD Campaign

From dentists to dental nurses, we have all heard numerous stories of dedicated dental professionals being removed from the GDC register due to minor administrative errors – be it forgetting to pay their ARF or being an hour or two short on their continuing professional development (CPD) requirements. The process to be reinstated can take weeks, during which time these professionals are left unable to practise – not only impacting their livelihood but also the ability of practices to provide the best and safest care possible for their patients.

Dentistry magazine – supported by BADN - believes the current system lacks the necessary flexibility and understanding, and does not account for human error or unforeseen circumstances that may cause a dental professional to miss registration or CPD deadlines.

As a result, we would like to work with the GDC to help introduce a mandatory grace period following both registration and CPD statement deadlines. This would provide a much-needed buffer, reducing unnecessary removals from the register at such a critical time in UK dentistry.

Therefore, Dentistry is proposing:

  • The GDC introduces a mandatory two week/14 day grace period for all dental professionals following deadlines for registration and CPD statements
  • If a dental professional is short on their CPD requirements by three hours or less, they are allowed to make this up within said grace period
  • During this grace period, the GDC commits to sending out three additional reminders to those who:

a. Have not re-registered

b. Are currently short on their CPD statement

c. Have not made a CPD statement

These changes will ensure fairer regulation while maintaining high professional standards within the dental industry.

Please join us in advocating for this crucial reform by signing our petition today. Let's work together towards creating an environment where dental professionals can focus on what they do best – providing excellent care for their patients.

Please sign the petition here

Pam Swain – of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) – explains why change needs to happen to save the future of dental nursing.

Read the full article        here