CPD at Showcase
The BDTA is pleased to see that the GDC has now written to registrants making it clear that attending trade shows is an acceptable form of CPD. The letter also reminds registrants of the conditions that distinguish verifiable from non-verifiable CPD and points out that simply attending an exhibition should not routinely be counted as verifiable CPD but should only be included as such where all four conditions are met.
The fact that the GDC does not approve or accredit any CPD activities means that the responsibility rests entirely with providers and registrants to determine whether activities comply with the GDC guidelines. The GDC website contains helpful advice on what constitutes CPD and even gives examples both of suitable activities and names of organisations which can provide suitable activities. It makes it quite clear, however, that the list is not exhaustive and does not represent accredited or approved activities or providers. More recently, the advice has been augmented with the addition of three core subjects together with suggested times for each, which the GDC recommends should be included in registrants’ study programmes from 2007 onwards.
That puts the onus on visitors who wish to claim verifiable CPD to ensure that they have pre-determined anticipated outcomes and concise educational aims and objectives and that only the time spent on these specific aspects of their attendance are claimed as verifiable CPD. The BDTA, organiser of Dental Showcase, the UK’s largest dental exhibition was the first to formally recognise the educational value of a visit to Showcase and has been issuing CPD certificates to attendees since the inception of the scheme. Showcase will continue to play its part in endeavouring to meet the educational aspirations of visitors by providing access to the very best in advice and information on dental equipment, materials and all aspects of the business of dentistry.
All those who receive CPD certificates are invited to provide feedback and we asked them, amongst other things, to rate how the 2007 Showcase had met their educational objectives. I am happy to say that 76% of respondents rated the educational aspects as good or excellent with just 6% expressing disappointment in this area.
The BDTA looks forward to welcoming all members of the dental team to BDTA Dental Showcase in 2008. It is being held at ExCeL London from 2 –4 October 2008 and complimentary tickets can be reserved online at www.dentalshowcase.com or by telephoning the registration hotline on 01494 729959 or by texting your name, address, occupation and GDC number to 07786 206 276. Advance registration closes 26 September 2008. On the day registration: £10 per person.
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