Oral cancer now subject of "recommended" dental CPD

24 May 2012

Improving early detection of oral cancer is now a “recommended topic” in the GDC’s continuing professional development (CPD) scheme.

CPD is a legal requirement of registration with the GDC but there are currently no mandatory CPD topics. The GDC does identify certain ‘core’ topics that dental professionals should cover as part of their verifiable CPD, including medical emergencies, disinfection and decontamination and radiography and radiation protection (or materials and equipment for dental technicians).

In addition the GDC recommends some subjects that can be completed as verifiable or non-verifiable CPD. These are legal and ethical Issues, complaints handling and, now, inproving early detection of oral cancer.

The GDC is currently reviewing its CPD requirements and throughout 2012 work will continue to develop a future CPD model, extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation. All the details will be available on the GDC’s website www.gdc-uk.org

Any new CPD requirements will not be introduced before 2013.