GDC to emphasise oral cancer checks in CPD scheme

The General Dental Council (GDC) is to place greater emphasis on the detection of oral cancer under its continuing professional development (CPD) programme.

Oral Cancer: Improving Early Detection is to be included as a "recommended" topic in the dental organisation's CPD scheme, which will remain the case until new rules and guidance come into force following the current CPD review.

At present, the GDC has no powers to introduce mandatory CPD subjects, but prioritises a number of core topics, including medical emergencies, disinfection and decontamination, and radiography and radiation protection.

Meanwhile, recommended topics include legal and ethical issues and complaints handling, as well as the newly-added oral cancer module.

The GDC's current CPD requirements review will be taking place throughout 2012 and will involve extensive stakeholder engagement and public consultation, with new requirements to be introduced in 2013 at the earliest.

Last month, the council held a national conference on CPD, discussing issues such as the effectiveness of CPD in dentistry and its contribution to quality care.