Continuous medical education for re-licensing- Perception of dentists practicing in a developing country.

Abstract

Background: Continuing professional education (CPE) or continuous education (CE) is the means by which people maintain their knowledge and skills related to their profession. Mandatory continuing education is a major factor in relicensure that is being licensed to practice for a specific period with the license either getting renewed at the end of that period or forfeited. This study is designed to assess the awareness regarding importance of continuing professional education as a requirement for re-licensing among General Dental Practitioners and Specialists and to identify the role of governing bodies for endorsing re-licensure procedure on the basis of CME Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted among 450 dentists practicing in Karachi (July 2013 to Dec 2013), divided in to two groups ;General Dental Practitioners (n=350)and Consultant Specialists(n=100). Simple Random sampling technique was applied thorough lottery from available list of Dentists and Consultants. Data was collected through a self administered questionnaire. SPSS version 20 was used for analysis and Chi –square test to assess associations of categorical variables. P value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Majority participants n= 250 (55.6%) were aware about re -certification and re-licensing and n= 292 (64.9%)knew the difference between the two. Only n=153 (34%) were of the view that re -certification and re-licensing should be made mandatory in Pakistan. Conclusion: The awareness of CME & re-certification is high among our professionals Key Words: Re-certification, Re-licensing, Continuous Medical Education.