A survey on preference for continuing professional development among general dental practitioners in Malaysia: A pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is the fundamental components of the Malaysian Dental Council’s policy for improving clinical governance within the dental profession in Malaysia. In Malaysia, participation in CPD activities is compulsory for renewal of practices license. Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the current CPD practices of Malaysian general dental practitioner (GDP) and to identify the participations in CPD among GDP in Malaysia. Materials and Methods: A total of 114 GDP who attended three CPD program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA were invited to participate in a paper-based questionnaire survey to assess their awareness, participation, and opinion toward the CPD program. Results: Of 110 respondents, 81.7% kept a CPD portfolio. About 93.9% of GDP agree it is important to engage with CPD program. Topic in restorative dentistry, esthetic dentistry, and endodontics attracted high level of interest among GDP, while biostatic was the least preferred. Full-day duration hands-on workshops on Sunday and Saturday was the most preferred CPD programs by most of the respondents. Nearly, 83.3% of GDP considered that lack of time was the main obstacles for attending CPD. Conclusion: This study will provide valuable information to assist Malaysian CPD providers and organizers to formulate appropriate approaches and topics during the planning and conducting the CPD courses and programs according to the needs and actual demands.