Perceptions, attitudes and opinions of general dental practitioners and dental nurses to the provision of lifelong learning for the dental team

Dental nurses' perception of CPD in Wales

“…A similar pattern was found by Mercer et al 7 who reported that practice meetings (68%) were the most frequently used method but a preference was expressed for hands-on learning (77%) and lectures (17%). This may be linked to registration and having to pay to attend courses; dental nurses want to feel like they are receiving something for their money rather than something that they arrange and lead on themselves.…”

“…A wide range of potential CPD topics were identified: forensic dentistry, oral health, orthodontics and radiography were all suggested by at least 10% of respondents. Mercer et al 7 found that general refresher courses, new materials and product updates and cross infection and contamination were the most commonly requested topics while Ross and Ibbetson's 8 top three topics were information technology, infection control and oral surgery. Although only 73 people answered this question there were 43 separate topics that were each suggested by only one person, suggesting that even within a small sample there are a wide variety of learning needs and interests.…”

“…Although only 73 people answered this question there were 43 separate topics that were each suggested by only one person, suggesting that even within a small sample there are a wide variety of learning needs and interests. Mercer et al 7 found that only 41% of their respondents answered a similar question and responses also tended to be general updates or refresher courses. This finding led the authors to conclude that there was a general lack of understanding amongst the dental nurses they surveyed about their educational options and learning needs.…”

“…Lynch et al 6 found that 95% of the DNs surveyed were interested in attending CPD courses but little is known about dental nurses' perceptions of their own educational needs in general. 7 Previous studies have explored the topic in England 7 and Scotland 8 but no survey of this type had previously been undertaken with DNs in Wales.…”

The impact of General Dental Council registration and continuing professional development on UK dental care professionals: (1) dental nurses

“…The study by Mercer et al for the Yorkshire Deanery concludes '…there is a need to promote an ethos of lifelong learning within the practice setting for the whole dental team' . 21 Five years later this recommendation remains equally relevant. For dental nursing to develop further as a profession, there is a need to ensure that opportunities for education and career development are not undermined by remuneration levels disproportionate to the level of competence required for professional status and high quality patient care.…”