Continuing dental education: perceptions of indian dentists

Continuing dental education (CDE) programmes aim to improve knowledge, skills and ability of an individual to deliver the highest quality of service to the public and profession. The objective of this study was to assess self perceived importance of Indian dentists towards CDE programmes. An online (email based) cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 954 questionnaires were sent to dentists of 5 states out of which 487 (50%) responded. 65% attended CDE Programmes on regular basis. 86% believed that CDE points shall improve the quality of care. Participants believed CDE programmes increase knowledge but preferred these programmes to be conducted on holidays and scheduled long before hand. Significantly higher number of dentists aged 30 years or less wanted that CDE programmes should focus on recent advances and live demonstrations. 86% believed that CDE points will improve the quality of treatment and better development of evidence based dentistry.