Varying the format of CDE: Practitioners' perceptions of need and usefulness

Abstract

Continuing dental education (CDE) is the primary learning mechanism for practicing dentists. Consequently, practitioners' perceived need for CDE and their assessment of its usefulness should be continually evaluated. These issues were addressed during a continuing education initiative on fissure sealants. Of 677 dentists who were offered CDE and responded to pre- and post-intervention surveys, 78% selected one of three formats offered: a formal continuing education course, mailed written materials and a videotape, or mailed written materials only. Participants also received a monthly newsletter and patient teaching aids (tooth models). About 8% of the dentists declined the CDE offer, while 15% did not respond to the offer. Participants and nonparticipants did not differ by age, mean years since graduation from dental school, office staffing patterns, or numbers of young patients. At follow-up, all groups that participated demonstrated a significant gain in knowledge compared to dentists who did not respond to the CDE offer. Selection of a CDE format seemed to parallel a participant's perceived need for education. Dentists who participated in the CDE courses made the greatest gains in knowledge at follow-up, with the second greatest gains being made by the Written Material and Videotape subgroup. Asked to rank the usefulness of program components, participants considered the newsletter and the tooth models to be useful; journal articles were not considered to be very useful. CDE constructed with varying formats can facilitate matching of content and educational need, increase participation, and enhance the likelihood of successful program outcomes.