The General Dental Council (GDC) has announced changes to its continuing professional development (CPD) processes, after a review and feedback from stakeholders aimed at enhancing accessibility.
The changes are intended to make it easier for professionals to record and submit their CPD and for providers to equip professionals with valid CPD certificates, addressing concerns raised by stakeholders about the challenges dental professionals face in meeting their CPD obligations effectively.
The changes are limited, to comply with the CPD scheme rules. The regulator states that, although it ‘would like to go further to amend the CPD rules, this would require a change to the legislation.’
Incorporating feedback from stakeholders and research findings from the review in 2024, the key improvements to the CPD scheme include simplified documentation requirements, with GDC registration numbers no longer mandatory on CPD certificates and clearer guidance on grace periods and restoration.
The GDC has also updated the requirements for CPD mapping documents, with electronic confirmations now accepted and more flexible approaches to quality assurance verification, allowing digital confirmations alongside traditional signatures.
Stefan Czerniawski, Executive Director, Strategy at the GDC, said: “We recognise that dental professionals sometimes face practical challenges in documenting their learning. By simplifying administrative requirements where we can, these changes will help people focus on what matters most – their professional development. There is more to be done to improve the effectiveness of the CPD and we will continue to look for opportunities to make further changes, including encouraging the government to reduce the current legislative obstacles.”
Dental professionals must still request any grace periods via their eGDC account or by email within the final six months of their CPD cycle. The fundamental requirements for CPD hours remain unchanged, maintaining the professions’ high standards of ongoing education.
For professionals who may face removal from the register due to CPD non-compliance, the regulator has reportedly clarified its decision-making process, including consideration of exceptional circumstances. The updated guidance provides clearer information about the restoration process and CPD requirements for those seeking to return to the register.
More details on the updated CPD requirements are available at https://www.gdc-uk.org/education-cpd/cpd/cpd-scheme, including updated guidance documents and sample certificates.
