Aims & Objectives

Whilst the conference was cancelled as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of the abstracts and presentations are available ‘virtually’. The ADEE project teams provided two oral presentations as follows:

‘The Evolution of an Outcomes-based Model of Continuing Professional Development’ – this was an outcome of the published Review of CPD

‘What “professionalism” means to dental professionals, patients and others’ – this was an outcome of a soon to be published review of professionalism in dentistry and across the wider healthcare sectors.

‘The Evolution of an Outcomes-based Model of Continuing Professional Development’ – the main messages included:

• Revised approaches to CPD should acknowledge individuals’ responsibility for their professional development and the undertaking of educational activities relevant to their needs - “not just ‘a means to an end”.
• Not an easy task for a regulatory body to base its CPD requirements on qualitative elements - quantitative elements easy to measure.
• Pride in achievements, by professionals, should be the goal.
• Regulators should support registrants - offering guidance and educational tools and strengthen engagement.
• ‘Higher Order Thinking’, CPD activities, exist in the most recent CPD models.
  • Go beyond the basic observation of facts and memorisation.
  • Embrace - critical thinking, reflective practice, active learning, mentoring, appraisal and feedback, portfolio and personal planning.
• CPD underpins life-long learning and facilitates professionals’ registration.
• Quality Outcomes-Based Model approach supports engagement in meaningful and relevant CPD. There is a greater potential to positively impact on practice and strengthen a high standard of care for patients.

‘What “professionalism” means to dental professionals, patients and others’ – the main messages included

• ‘Professionalism’ is a complex and an essentially contested concept.
• Despite areas of consensus, different stakeholders emphasised some aspects over others.
• There is scope to update current guidance and provide ongoing optional support.