Participation in continuing professional development by Victorian dental practitioners in 2004

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Continuing professional development (CPD) has been long considered an integral component of professional practice across a range of health professions. It is believed to ensure the maintenance of practitioner clinical competence and knowledge of current concepts. This study investigated the participation in and attitudes of Victorian dental personnel to CPD activities. METHODS: A self-administered cross-sectional survey of a random sample of registered dental care providers (n = 451) was conducted from March to June 2005 using an anonymous, postal, self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The response rate was low (48.1 per cent). Nearly 90 per cent of respondents attended a CPD..