GDC announces updates to CPD processes
Regulator would like to go further, but this would require a change to the legislation.
The General Dental Council (GDC) had 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 GDC said it would like to go further to amend the CPD rules, but this would require a change to the legislation.
There is more to be done to improve the effectiveness of the CPD scheme and we will continue to look for opportunities to make further changes.
Stefan Czerniawski
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.
We have 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 scheme and we will continue to look for opportunities to make further changes, including encouraging the UK 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 profession’s high standards of ongoing education.
For professionals who may face removal from the register due to CPD non-compliance, the GDC has 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 on the GDC’s website, including updated guidance documents and sample certificates.
Summary of changes
| Registration numbers on CPD certificates | Registration numbers are helpful to have but are no longer required. Dental professionals are welcome to write their registration number on CPD evidence if they’d like to. CPD guidance for both dental professionals and providers has been revised to reflect this and to make the policy around this clearer. |
| Signatures on certificates and CPD quality assurance | The GDC no longer requires a signature on certificates to confirm the information provided is full and accurate. It looks for wording like “we confirm that the information provided on this certificate is full and accurate and that this CPD has been subject to quality assurance”. A CPD provider can also send an email to the dental professional to confirm the information provided is full and accurate, with either a signature or printed name. The GDC has updated the sample CPD certificate to make this clear. |
| Mapping documents | Mapping documents don’t need a signature. Dental professionals can provide an email confirmation from their CPD provider instead. The GDC has updated the mapping document template to reflect this. If a dental professional is unable to complete a mapping document in full, they can submit alternative forms of evidence, like an email from the provider confirming that specified CPD criteria have been met. |
| Increasing awareness of grace periods | Dental professionals need to complete their CPD activities before the end of each five-year cycle. If they will not be able to complete the requirements and they have good reason why they need more time, they can apply for a grace period, which can give them an additional 56 days. Dental professionals can request a grace period via their eGDC, or via email, within the last six months of their CPD cycle. The GDC does not have any powers to allow dental professionals to complete any CPD hours outside the relevant CPD cycle unless a grace period has been agreed. |