Factors involved in the translation of continuing professional development programmes into clinical practice among Victorian dentists

Background. Continuing professional development (CPD) programmes have traditionally been seen as an important means by which dentists keep up-to-date with current advances in the field. Recent legislative changes in Victoria have resulted in the introduction of mandatory CPD for dentists. Despite this, there is limited available information on the effectiveness of the translation of these programmes into clinical practice. Methods: Participants undertaking CPD programmes in endodontics and implant dentistry were surveyed using three questionnaires over three time-frames: pre-CPD, post-CPD and three months following the programme (delayed). The course format of the programmes involved both didactic lecture and interactive hands-on components. Results: Overall response rates of 94 per cent for pre-CPD and post-CPD questionnaires, and 77 per cent for the delayed impact-on-practice questionnaire were achieved. Programmes in both disciplines were found to be effective in facilitating the uptake of the new technologies taught in the courses. The time-series design of the present survey was effective in identifying dentists' background knowledge, experiences and biases, and in evaluating the translation of CPD programmes into clinical practice. Conclusions: A variety of discipline-related and participant-related factors were identified which may influence the uptake of learned concepts and techniques by participants undertaking CPD programmes. Educators must be cognizant of these issues to ensure that these programmes positively impact on clinical practice, in particular the adoption of technological advances or technical aspects and relating it to the biological goals of treatment, thus facilitating an overall improvement in health care outcomes.